What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drug
Example
He was addicted to drugs for many years. [drug: noun]
Example
The doctor prescribed a drug to help with her anxiety. [drug: noun]
pharmaceutical
Example
The pharmaceutical company released a new medication for diabetes. [pharmaceutical: adjective]
Example
She studied pharmaceuticals in college and now works for a drug company. [pharmaceuticals: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pharmaceutical is a more formal and technical term that is commonly used in the medical and healthcare industries. Drug is a more common term that is used in everyday language and can refer to a wider range of substances.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drug and pharmaceutical?
Pharmaceutical is a more formal and technical term that is commonly used in professional and academic settings. Drug is a more casual term that is used in everyday language and can be employed in various formality levels.
