premade

Premade is an adjective describing items that have been manufactured, assembled, or prepared before they are sold or used, in contrast to products that are handmade, customized, or prepared at the moment of use. The term is formed from pre- meaning "before" and made. It is commonly written as premade or pre-made; some style guides prefer "ready-made" for certain contexts. Premade items are often associated with convenience and standardization, and they typically carry a longer shelf life or predictable performance.

In everyday usage, premade is applied to a range of products. In food, premade meals, soups, and snacks are prepared in advance for immediate consumption, often requiring only reheating. In consumer goods, premade kits, assemblies, or components are sold ready for use. In gaming and online communities, a premade team or party refers to players who join a game together as a previously organized unit rather than matchmaking individually. In software and media, premade presets, templates, or assets provide ready-to-use configurations without user customization.

Advantages of premade products include time savings, consistency, and cost control at scale. Drawbacks can include reduced customization, potential quality variability, and concerns about freshness or authenticity compared with handmade or bespoke options. Consumer choice often balances convenience against the desire for personalization.