Word
destined
Phoneticsdes·tined, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɛstɪnd/
UK/dˈɛstɪnd/
Definitions
01certain to happen
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. certain to happen or to do something because of fate or a strong plan.
adj. predetermined by fate, providence, or a specific plan; often used with a following infinitive to indicate an inevitable future action.
“From a young age, it was clear that she was destined to become a great musician.”
“The small startup seemed destined for failure until a sudden shift in market trends made their product essential overnight.”
Usage
Usually follows the verb 'to be' and is followed by 'to' and an infinitive.
02travelling to a place
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. travelling toward a specific destination.
adj. intended for or travelling toward a particular destination; typically used in the construction 'destined for'.
“The ship was destined for the port of Rotterdam but had to stop for repairs.”
“Customs officials intercepted a large shipment of electronics destined for the black market in several neighbouring countries.”
Usage
Almost always followed by the preposition 'for'.
03to intend for a purpose
C2 · Proficiency Literary · Formal
v. to intend or set something aside for a specific purpose or person.
v. to appoint or ordain for a specific purpose or end. This transitive use is most common in the passive voice.
“The money was destined for the new hospital wing before the budget cuts.”
“The king had destined his eldest daughter for the throne, despite the traditional laws of succession that favoured her younger brother.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the passive voice as 'be destined'.
Real-World Examples
“Bellis said he could spot 68 different grades of wool as he had worked through the fleeces, with the best destined for formal wear while others ended up as slug pellets.” “Charlton survived somewhat comfortably in the end and they have attracted Karlan Grant back and signed the skilful Millenic Alli but they still feel like a side destined for a long 10 months .” - 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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