English Reference
adjective · noun

intended

adj. · n.
US /ˌɪnˈtɛndɪd/ UK /ɪntˈɛndɪd/ in·tend·ed UK spelling intendeds

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.planned or meant to happen in a certain way.

    adj.planned, deliberate, or designed for a specific purpose or effect.

    Simple

    The intended effect of the new law was to reduce plastic waste.

    In context

    While the intended outcome was a reduction in overhead costs, the restructuring inadvertently led to a significant drop in employee morale.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.meant for a particular person or group.

    adj.targeted toward or meant for a specific recipient or audience.

    Simple

    This gift was intended for my sister, but I gave it to my mother instead.

    In context

    The marketing campaign was primarily intended for young professionals living in urban areas who value convenience over price.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced HumorousFormal

    n.the person you are engaged to marry.

    n.a person to whom one is betrothed or engaged to be married.

    Simple

    I would like you to meet my intended, Sarah.

    In context

    He spoke of his intended with a level of devotion that suggested the wedding could not come soon enough for him.

    fiancéfiancéebetrothed

Usage intended to keep

The changes are intended to change player behaviour, rather than be applied as a strict punishment.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

The money Annabelle receives is intended to help pay for therapies such as speech, as well as a support worker to help her on the hockey field.

BBC News· 12 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated