Word
designated
Phoneticsdes·ig·nat·ed, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɛzɪɡˌneɪtɪd/
UK/dˈɛzɪɡnˌeɪtɪd/
Definitions
01chosen for a purpose
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. officially chosen for a particular job or purpose.
adj. formally assigned or appointed to a specific role, task, or status.
“Please leave your car in the designated parking area for visitors.”
“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.
Antonyms
02the sober driver
B1 · Intermediate Informal
adj. the person in a group who stays sober so they can drive the others home safely.
adj. referring to the 'designated driver'—a person who abstains from alcohol during a social outing to provide safe transport for others.
“Since I am the designated driver tonight, I will just have a soda.”
“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.”
Teaching tip
While 'designated' is B2, the specific phrase 'designated driver' is very common in social English and often learned earlier.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Since 2004, the US has designated ISIL a “foreign terrorist organisation”.” “It includes all designated areas in the North Sea and Baltic Sea that have been identified for potential offshore wind energy development.” “She is charged with providing material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organisation.” “He said: "It's designated as greenfield because there's no choice for the planning.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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