is not designed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not designed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was not created or intended for a specific purpose or audience. Example: "This software is not designed for casual users; it is meant for professionals in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The human body is not designed for ballet.

The Guardian

The election is not designed for serious reform.

The New York Times

It is not designed for students needing urgent help.

University of California, Berkeley

The food, as in almost every bar across Brazil, is not designed for the solo drinker.

The Guardian - Travel

Even Microsoft concedes that it is not designed for the majority of individual PC users.

The New York Times - Tech

Hubble and other images use a format called FITS, which is not designed for public use.

The New York Times - Science

"No matter how you spin it, [Autopilot] is not designed for that.

The Guardian - Tech

"Maybe the system is not designed for people like us," she said.

The New York Times

Bin 71, 237 Columbus Avenue (71st Street), is not designed for lingering.

The New York Times

"The car is not designed for you but there is very little room for manoeuvre.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This course is not designed for the evaluation of larger/long running social enterprises.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not designed for", ensure the context clearly specifies what the subject is actually intended for to avoid ambiguity. Be specific in your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "is not designed for" without specifying the limitations or intended purpose. Failing to provide context can lead to misinterpretations. Always clarify what the subject is designed for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not designed for" functions as a negative descriptive phrase. It's used to specify what something cannot or should not be used for, emphasizing its limitations. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

26%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

HuffPost

4%

Vice

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is not designed for" is a versatile phrase used to delineate the limitations or intended purpose of something. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse fields like news, academia, and science. Alternatives include "is not intended for" and "is not meant for". When using this phrase, ensure that you provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's examples show it can come up across different contexts and media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not intended for

Focuses on the lack of intention or purpose for a specific use.

is not meant for

Emphasizes the lack of suitability or appropriateness.

is unsuited for

Highlights the inadequacy or lack of fitness for a purpose.

is not appropriate for

Stresses the lack of suitability in a given context.

is not tailored for

Implies that something lacks the specific adjustments needed.

does not cater to

Suggests that something does not provide for the needs of a particular group.

is not equipped for

Highlights the lack of necessary features or capabilities.

is not built for

Emphasizes that something's construction does not accommodate a certain use.

is not optimized for

Indicates a lack of adjustments for best performance in a specific area.

is not compatible with

Stresses the lack of alignment or harmony with something else.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is not designed for"?

You can use alternatives such as "is not intended for", "is not meant for", or "is unsuited for" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is not designed for" in writing?

Use "is not designed for" when you want to clearly state that something was not created or intended for a particular purpose. It's useful for setting expectations or explaining limitations.

What's the difference between "is not designed for" and "is not suitable for"?

"Is not designed for" implies a deliberate lack of intention during the creation or planning phase, while "is not suitable for" focuses more on the lack of appropriateness in a given situation. Though, most of the times, these sentences are interchangeable.

Is "is not designed for" formal or informal?

The phrase "is not designed for" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its acceptability is supported by its prevalent use in a wide range of sources, as confirmed by Ludwig.