# designation

/ˌdɛzəɡˈneɪʃən/ (US) · /dˌɛzɪɡnˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/designation
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a title or name

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a formal name or title given to a person, place, or thing.

For teachers: a distinguishing name, title, or classification assigned to an entity.

- The area received a special designation as a national park to protect the local wildlife.
- The historic district's designation as a protected heritage site prevents developers from altering the original facades of the nineteenth-century buildings.

### 2. choosing for a role

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of choosing or appointing someone for a specific job or position.

For teachers: the act of selecting or appointing a person for a specific office, duty, or purpose.

- Her designation as the new team leader was welcomed by all her colleagues.
- The board's designation of a temporary successor ensured that the company remained stable during the unexpected leadership transition.

### 3. the act of identifying

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of pointing something out or marking it clearly.

For teachers: the act of identifying or specifying something by a particular mark or description.

- The clear designation of emergency exits is required by law in all public buildings.
- The precise designation of boundaries on the map helped resolve the long-standing dispute between the two neighbouring landowners.

## Examples

- The area received a special designation as a national park.
- The building's designation as a historical landmark prevents the owners from making major changes to the exterior.
- While the job title changed, her official designation within the corporate hierarchy remained that of a senior consultant, affecting her salary grade and reporting line.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.