not destined

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not destined" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is not meant to happen or is not fated to occur. Example: "Despite their efforts, they felt that their relationship was not destined to last."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Enterprise was not destined for space.

The Guardian

"We were not destined to survive.

The Guardian - Books

And that she's not destined for shit.

The Guardian - Film

Hughes's smile was not destined to linger.

The Guardian - Sport

You are not destined to be a technician.

Harvard University

Or are these two not destined to be together, regardless?

The New Yorker

We're not destined to have a winning streak.

The New York Times - Sports

But, alas, he was not destined to return.

The New Yorker

"Maybe I'm not destined to have an empire," she says.

The New York Times

But he was not destined to be a concert pianist.

The New York Times

Although perhaps not destined for that kind of success.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing future possibilities, use "not destined" to suggest that a particular outcome is unlikely or impossible based on current circumstances or inherent limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "not destined" to justify inaction or apathy. While it can express a belief that something is unlikely to occur, it shouldn't discourage effort or initiative to pursue desired outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not destined" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates that the modified subject is unlikely or unable to achieve a particular outcome or fulfill a specific purpose. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not destined" is a versatile adjective phrase used to express the improbability or impossibility of a certain outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news media and academic contexts. While alternatives like "not meant to be" or "not fated to happen" exist, "not destined" maintains its distinct emphasis on predetermination or inherent limitation. When using the phrase, be mindful of its implications regarding fatalism and avoid using it to discourage effort or initiative. Overall, "not destined" serves as a powerful tool for conveying beliefs about future possibilities and limitations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not meant to be

Emphasizes a lack of compatibility or fate preventing a specific outcome.

not fated to happen

Highlights the absence of predetermined destiny or divine will.

not in the cards

Suggests that the odds or circumstances do not favor a particular event.

not in the stars

Implies astrological incompatibility or a lack of cosmic alignment.

never to come to pass

Formally states that an event will not occur in the future.

doomed to fail

Indicates an inevitable negative outcome due to inherent flaws or unfavorable circumstances.

not have a chance

Suggests a lack of opportunity or ability to succeed.

unable to happen

States the impossibility of an event occurring.

precluded from occurring

Emphasizes a formal or legal barrier preventing an event.

out of the question

Indicates that an idea or possibility is not worth considering due to unsuitability or impossibility.

FAQs

How can I use "not destined" in a sentence?

You can use "not destined" to express that something is unlikely or impossible to happen. For example, "Their relationship was "not destined to last" because of their conflicting values."

What are some alternatives to "not destined"?

Alternatives to "not destined" include "not meant to be", "not fated to happen", or "not in the cards", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "wasn't destined" instead of "not destined"?

Yes, "wasn't destined" is a perfectly acceptable contraction of "was not destined" and is grammatically correct. For example, "He wasn't destined for a life of crime."

What is the difference between "not destined" and "unlikely"?

"Not destined" implies a sense of fate or impossibility, suggesting the outcome is predetermined. "Unlikely" simply indicates a low probability, without necessarily implying a lack of possibility.