engineered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "engineered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the design, creation, or development of something, often in a technical or scientific context. Example: "The new software was engineered to improve user experience and increase efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

While it is easy to see why a book like this would receive such intense interest from economists, who are engineered to concern themselves with questions like these, it is, perhaps, more difficult to understand how Capital became a book that would top the summer reading lists of thousands of beach-bound, working class adults.

The Guardian - Money

From endless parties and family gatherings you feel obligated to attend, to the rich foods you regrettably indulge in, and the expensive presents you feel compelled to purchase but can't afford, it's a time of year engineered for consumption.

The Guardian - Opinion

The provisional leadership that replaced him engineered constitutional changes to enhance parliamentary powers at the expense of the executive.

The Guardian

While genetically engineered corn and soybeans are routinely grown, they are largely consumed by animals, while wheat is consumed directly by people and has faced more consumer resistance.

The New York Times

Their system in Portugal is heavily engineered to promote young talent: your Ronaldos, Nanis, Quaresmas and Figos.

The Guardian

After all, Germany engineered political unity twice via currency union.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

A poorly designed chipset will corrupt the sound with pops, clicks or dead air.Working with Germany's Fraunhofer Institute (the birthplace of MP3) and STMicroelectronics, XM essentially re-engineered an existing chipset.

The Economist

Indeed, some companies have re-engineered their supply chains to gain a huge competitive advantage.

The Economist

The existing curriculum is not without its faults: repeatedly re-engineered since it was set in place 20 years ago, it is now cluttered and prescriptive.

The Economist

The smelt's populations have been decimated in the decades since the delta where the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers meet was re-engineered to send water to farms and cities in southern California.

The New York Times

This measure is reverse-engineered from the markets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or system that has been carefully designed for a specific outcome, use "engineered" to highlight the intentional and methodical nature of its creation.

Common error

Avoid using "engineered" in situations where simpler words like "planned" or "created" would suffice. Overusing the term can make your writing sound overly technical or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "engineered" is as the past participle of the verb 'engineer', often used as an adjective. Ludwig confirms that it functions to describe something designed and built with a specific purpose, particularly in technical or scientific fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "engineered" functions primarily as a past participle or adjective, denoting something intentionally designed and meticulously created. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is frequently used in news, science, and business contexts to highlight the purposeful nature of a process or object. While the term is grammatically correct and very common, overuse in non-technical scenarios should be avoided. When considering related phrases, "designed" and "constructed" offer close alternatives depending on the specific nuances you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

designed

Focuses on the planning and creation aspect, often implying aesthetic considerations.

constructed

Emphasizes the building or assembly aspect, often involving physical components.

developed

Focuses on the gradual growth and improvement of something.

manufactured

Highlights the production process, especially in an industrial context.

formulated

Emphasizes the creation of a plan or strategy.

orchestrated

Implies careful and skillful arrangement, often in a complex situation.

fashioned

Implies skillful creation, often with an artistic or aesthetic element.

masterminded

Suggests a clever and strategic planning, often behind the scenes.

fabricated

Can imply creation or construction, but sometimes suggests deception.

contrived

Often suggests an artificial or forced quality, sometimes with negative connotations.

FAQs

How is "engineered" typically used in a sentence?

"Engineered" is often used to describe something that has been carefully and intentionally designed or created, often with a technical or scientific purpose. For example, "The system was "engineered" to maximize efficiency."

What are some alternatives to using "engineered"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "designed", "created", "constructed", or "orchestrated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "engineered" rather than "designed"?

"Engineered" typically implies a more technical or scientific approach to design, often involving precise calculations and specific performance goals. "Designed" is a broader term that can encompass aesthetic or artistic considerations as well.

Can "engineered" have negative connotations?

While generally neutral, "engineered" can sometimes suggest manipulation or artificiality, particularly if the process is perceived as overly controlled or lacking in authenticity. Consider the context to ensure it doesn't imply something undesirable.