# destined

/ˈdɛstɪnd/ (US) · /dˈɛstɪnd/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. certain to happen

adjective · CEFR B2

certain to happen or to do something because of fate or a strong plan.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. travelling to a place

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

travelling toward a specific destination.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. to intend for a purpose

verb · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

to intend or set something aside for a specific purpose or person.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- They were destined to meet again one day.
- The young athlete seemed destined for greatness from the moment she won her first local race.
- Despite his humble beginnings in a small coastal village, the ambitious scholar felt destined to leave a lasting mark on the world of international law.

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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.