ENGLISH
REFERENCE

designated

adj.
US //ˈdɛzɪɡˌneɪtɪd// UK //dˈɛzɪɡnˌeɪtɪd// des·ig·nat·ed
  1. 1 chosen for a purpose (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    officially chosen for a particular job or purpose.

    formally assigned or appointed to a specific role, task, or status.

    Example

    Please leave your car in the designated parking area for visitors.

    Example

    The designated smoking area was moved to the far end of the terrace to ensure that smoke did not drift into the main dining hall.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.
  2. 2 the sober driver (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    the person in a group who stays sober so they can drive the others home safely.

    referring to the 'designated driver'—a person who abstains from alcohol during a social outing to provide safe transport for others.

    Example

    Since I am the designated driver tonight, I will just have a soda.

    Example

    The group agreed that whoever was the designated driver for the evening would have their non-alcoholic drinks paid for by the rest of the party.

    Teacher's tip

    While 'designated' is B2, the specific phrase 'designated driver' is very common in social English and often learned earlier.
    • sober driver

© 2026 English Reference