destined

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "destined" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to denote something predestined or fated to happen. Example sentence: She was destined to become a successful entrepreneur.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nine months later, though, the hopes of the club destined to become the greatest England had ever seen were destroyed in the slush on the runaway of Munich's old airport.

The Guardian - Sport

If Labour picks a leader destined to lose, then the leadership is an empty prize.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it was a disastrous day for Yeovil who appear destined for the drop after conceding three second-half goals to Chesterfield to give up a 2-0 lead.

The Guardian - Sport

Known in English as the "Soldiers of Destiny", the party founded by Éamon de Valera seemed destined to be out of office once the next general election was called in the republic.

The Guardian

But beyond the practicality of missing documents, their greatest hurdle is the perception that what is born in a slum is destined to stay in a slum.

The Guardian

Or is this one destined for a place on the shelf alongside rare Pixar duds such as Cars?

The Guardian - Film

The government is also staring down the Senate, where its $7 Medicare co-payment and changes to pension eligibility and the pension age appear destined to fail.

The Guardian

Doing so at an Iowa community college, before the studied gaze of the American media, was destined to be even harder.

The Guardian

But we also need to break down the social barriers, often most obvious at work, which limit some families' aspiration by convincing them that they are destined never to be more than hewers of wood and drawers of water.

The Guardian - Opinion

Cute! See, Fey's Palin impression was a big hit for the show back in 2008, got marvellous ratings, and will long be remembered as a seminal SNL moment – but not, as one might think, because Sarah Palin was some wacky, harmless goofball destined to be a delightful footnote in the annals of election history.

The Guardian - Opinion

Employees at East Kilbride engineering yard in Scotland refused to fix bomber-plane engines destined for Chile, forcing Rolls Royce to break its contract with the Chilean air force.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "destined", consider the emotional tone of your piece. The word carries a strong connotation of fate, which might evoke feelings of hope, resignation, or even dread, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "destined" for everyday occurrences where simple probability or likelihood would suffice. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic. For example, instead of saying "He was destined to be late for work", consider "He was likely to be late for work" unless there's a compelling reason to suggest fate was involved.

Linguistic Context

The word "destined" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a predetermined fate or outcome. Ludwig confirms this usage with numerous examples, demonstrating its role in describing something as preordained.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

25%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Lifestyle

8%

Science

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "destined" functions as an adjective to indicate a predetermined fate or outcome. Ludwig confirms the word is grammatically correct and very common, particularly in news, sports, and opinion contexts. It carries a neutral to formal register, conveying inevitability and significance. When using "destined", consider alternatives like "fated" or "certain to happen" depending on the desired nuance. Be mindful of overuse, saving it for situations where fate or predetermination is truly relevant. Overall, "destined" is a powerful word for adding depth to your writing when used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fated

Implies an unavoidable and often negative outcome determined by fate.

certain to happen

Focuses on the high probability or inevitability of an event.

bound to occur

Suggests that an event is unavoidable or predictable.

sure to be

Highlights the certainty of a particular outcome or state.

predestined

Emphasizes a fate determined in advance by a higher power or force.

meant to be

Indicates a feeling that something was predetermined by fate or destiny.

inevitable

Stresses the impossibility of avoiding a particular outcome.

likely to

Indicates a high probability of something occurring.

with a high probability of

Uses a more formal tone to express the strong likelihood of an event.

on track to

Suggests progress towards a pre-set objective or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "destined" in a sentence?

Use "destined" to indicate that someone or something is predetermined to have a specific future or outcome. For example, "She was "destined for greatness"".

What are some alternatives to using "destined"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fated", "certain to happen", or "bound to occur".

What is the difference between "destined" and "predestined"?

"Destined" implies a future that is determined, while "predestined" emphasizes that the determination happened beforehand. They are very similar, but "predestined" suggests an even stronger, more immutable determination.

Is it appropriate to use "destined" in formal writing?

Yes, "destined" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to convey a sense of fate or inevitability. However, ensure that the tone aligns with the overall message and doesn't sound overly dramatic or exaggerated.