custom-made

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "custom-made" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that has been specifically designed or tailored to meet individual requirements or preferences. Example: "The tailor created a custom-made suit that fit him perfectly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

They're not custom-made.

The New Yorker

They're custom-made in Queens.

The New York Times

It means custom-made.

The New York Times

It also supplies custom-made air.

The Economist

It seemed custom-made for me.

The New Yorker

I buy custom-made suits".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

"Discounted Custom Made Frames".

WikiHow

Before, they were custom made.

The New York Times

"Everything has to be custom made".

The New York Times - Food

Moreover custom made implants are being used.

Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery

An automated module can be commercial or custom made.

EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "custom-made" to emphasize that something was specifically designed and created to meet individual requirements, highlighting its uniqueness and tailored fit. For example, a "custom-made" suit fits perfectly because it's made to the wearer's exact measurements.

Common error

Avoid using "custom-made" when "customized" or "personalized" would be more appropriate. "Custom-made" should be reserved for items built from scratch to specific requirements, not simply modified versions of existing products.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "custom-made" functions primarily as a compound adjective. It modifies a noun to indicate that the noun has been specifically designed and manufactured to meet particular individual requirements, highlighting its unique and tailored nature. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples of this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "custom-made" functions as a compound adjective signifying that something is specifically designed to meet individual needs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science and Wiki. While alternatives like "bespoke" and "tailor-made" exist, "custom-made" provides a clear and widely understood way to express unique design and creation. To improve your writing, remember that the term is most effective when it highlights genuinely unique specifications rather than merely personalized adjustments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Tailor-made

Suggests a precise fit or adaptation to specific requirements, similar to "custom-made".

Made to specification

Focuses on the adherence to a precise set of requirements during the manufacturing process.

Bespoke

Often used in the context of tailoring or high-end goods, implying a higher degree of customization.

Specifically designed

Highlights the intentional creation of something for a particular purpose.

Made-to-order

Implies that an item is produced only when an order is placed, allowing for some customization.

Individually crafted

Emphasizes the manual skill and attention to detail involved in creating something unique.

Customized

Similar to personalized, but can also imply adapting something to meet specific functional needs.

Personalized

Focuses on adding individual touches to an existing item, rather than creating something entirely new.

Unique

Highlights that the object is one of a kind.

Handmade

Implies crafted by hand versus mass produced but might not be made to one's specifications.

FAQs

How is "custom-made" used in a sentence?

The phrase "custom-made" is used to describe something that has been specifically designed or tailored to meet individual requirements or preferences. For example: "The tailor created a "custom-made" suit that fit him perfectly."

What alternatives can I use instead of "custom-made"?

You can use alternatives like "bespoke", "tailor-made", or "made to order" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "custom-made" or "custom made"?

"Custom-made" is the correct form when used as a compound adjective. "Custom made" (two words) is less common but can be used if "custom" is an adverb modifying "made". For example: "They custom made the furniture."

What's the difference between "custom-made" and "personalized"?

"Custom-made" implies something entirely new is created to specification. "Personalized" means adapting an existing item with individual touches.