English Reference
adjective

desired

adj.
US /dɪˈzaɪɝd/ UK /dɪzˈaɪəd/ de·sired

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing something that you want to happen or have.

    referring to a specific outcome or object that is wished for or required by a particular set of circumstances.

    Simple

    The medicine helped the patient reach the desired level of comfort.

    In context

    The marketing campaign failed to produce the desired effect on quarterly sales, despite a significant increase in social media engagement.

    wantedintendedsought after
    unwantedundesired

Usage desired effect · desired goal · desired outcome

In a statement explaining why it was acquiescing to Trump’s desired name for Lake Ontario, Google said its practice is to “reflect name changes in official government sources”.

The Guardian· 30 Aug 2026

It includes both a fantasy desired by a select few and a reality that is already with us.

The Guardian· 19 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated