desired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desired" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a wish or want for something specific. Example: "The results of the experiment were not as desired, leading to further investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Prompting Europe's Nato members once again to take an interest in defending themselves will not be on the Kremlin's list of desired outcomes.

The Guardian - Opinion

The desired effect was achieved, with Burberry committing to rid its manufacturing process of toxic, perflourinated chemicals by 2020, as well as increasing supply chain transparency.

The Guardian

We need to lower the regulatory barriers to entry which have limited clinical benefits: right-touch regulation is regulation which is fit for purpose, with the minimum regulatory intervention to achieve the desired result.

The Guardian

If the prime minister was indeed referring to New College, his timing might also be said to leave something to be desired.

The Guardian

He states on his website: "With an extremely strong emphasis on participatory planning, [I hope] to integrate architecture and democracy to bring about desired social and physical regeneration in the country".

The Guardian

Kutsuplus lets riders specify their own desired pick-up points and destinations via smartphone; these requests are aggregated, and the app calculates an optimal route that most closely satisfies all of them.

The Guardian

The Qataris insist that the increased number of inspectors is starting to have the desired effect, but widespread examples of mistreatment on the ground remain.

The Guardian

And Dave says the washing up sometimes leaves a little to be desired, mentioning a lipstick-stained coffee cup that he sent back recently.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Whether that has fully had the desired effect can be debated after starting the season giving up two late goals, turning four points into just one in league play while at the same time bowing out of the CONCACAF Champions League.

The Guardian - Sport

Or could it be, as some suggest, a liaison that will enable Desmond to obtain a desired peerage?

The Guardian

When he arrived in March 2002, Herrington despaired to see that military and civilian interrogators had no idea who their new charges were, reversing the desired dynamic of the "omniscient" interrogator.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desired" to convey a formal tone when describing a specific outcome or result, especially in professional or academic contexts. For more informal situations, consider using "wanted" or "preferred".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "desired" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "wanted" or "needed" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "desired" is as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate something that is wanted or wished for. This is confirmed by Ludwig, which highlights its use in contexts like "desired outcome" or "desired effect".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

22%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "desired" functions primarily as an adjective denoting something wished for or intended. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in formal and professional contexts. While synonyms like "wanted" and "preferred" exist, "desired" often adds a layer of formality. Its communicative purpose is to express a preference or intention, and its presence across various sources like The Guardian and The Economist underscores its established role in written English. When aiming for precision and a formal tone, especially in professional or academic writing, "desired" remains a strong and appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wanted

A more direct and common synonym for something that is wished for.

sought-after

Implies a high level of demand and desirability.

preferred

Suggests a choice based on liking something more than alternatives.

intended

Focuses on the aim or purpose of something.

envisaged

Describes something imagined or anticipated for the future.

aimed for

Indicates a target or goal that one is striving to achieve.

hoped-for

Expresses a wish or expectation for something to happen.

coveted

Suggests a strong desire, often with a hint of envy.

yearned for

Implies a deep and emotional longing for something.

longed-for

Similar to 'yearned for', but can also suggest a sense of anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "desired" in a sentence?

The word "desired" is typically used as an adjective to describe an outcome, result, or object that is wished for or hoped for. For example: "The "desired effect" was achieved after careful planning."

What are some alternatives to the word "desired"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "wanted", "preferred", "intended", or "sought-after" instead of "desired".

Is it better to say "desired outcome" or "wanted outcome"?

"Desired outcome" often carries a more formal connotation compared to "wanted outcome". The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing. In professional or academic settings, "desired outcome" is generally more appropriate.

What is the difference between "desired" and "required"?

"Desired" implies a preference or wish, while "required" indicates a necessity or obligation. Something that is "desired" is wished for, but not essential, whereas something that is "required" is essential and cannot be omitted.