Ersatz (adjective)

Serving as a substitute, typically an inferior one, for something else.

Origin:

Mid 19th century: from german, from ersetzen 'replace', from er- 'completely' + setzen 'set'.

Examples:

1. The ersatz coffee was made from roasted chicory and tasted nothing like real coffee.
2. The ersatz leather jacket looked cheap and felt stiff, unlike a genuine leather jacket.
3. Ersatz sugar, made from corn syrup, was often used during World War II as a substitute for sugar.
4. The ersatz meal, made from soy protein and artificial flavorings, lacked the flavor and nutrition of a real meal.
5. Many consumers are hesitant to purchase ersatz products, as they are often seen as lower quality and less genuine.