not made for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not made for" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something is unsuitable or inappropriate for a particular purpose or person. Example: "This dress is not made for cold weather." Alternative expressions include "not suited for," "not designed for," and "not intended for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They are not made for comfort.

The New York Times

It's not made for kids".

The New York Times - Arts

It's not made for us, for people.

The Guardian - Books

"Grenades are not made for Harlem".

The New York Times

We are not made for satisfaction.

The New Yorker

Turkey was not made for Bushworld.

The New York Times

It's not made for 14-year-olds".

The Guardian - Film

Movies like Stahl's were not made for TV.

The New Yorker

Perhaps he is not made for big political campaigns.

The New York Times

The law's the law and it's not made for us".

The New Yorker

The situation has not made for good neighborly feelings.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not made for", ensure the context clearly defines what the subject is unsuitable for to avoid ambiguity. Be specific about the intended purpose or audience.

Common error

Avoid using "not made for" without specifying what something is not suited for. For instance, instead of saying "This tool is not made for that", clarify with "This tool is not made for heavy-duty tasks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not made for" functions as a negative adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate its unsuitability or lack of design for a specific purpose or context. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, with numerous examples illustrating its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

24%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not made for" is a versatile phrase used to express that something is unsuitable or not designed for a particular purpose. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When using "not made for", clarity is key: always specify what the subject is not suited for to avoid ambiguity. Consider using alternatives like "unsuitable for" or "not intended for" to refine your meaning. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase's validity and provides ample real-world examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unsuitable for

Emphasizes the inappropriateness or unsuitability of something for a particular purpose.

inappropriate for

Highlights that something is not fitting or proper in a specific context.

not designed for

Focuses on the lack of intent or planning for a specific use or target.

not intended for

Indicates that something was not meant or planned for a particular purpose or audience.

unfit for

Indicates a lack of required qualities or conditions for a specific purpose.

ill-suited to

Suggests a poor match or compatibility between something and a particular situation or purpose.

not cut out for

Implies a lack of inherent qualities or abilities required for something.

not equipped for

Highlights a lack of necessary resources or capabilities for a specific task or situation.

not built for

Emphasizes the lack of inherent structure or design to handle a particular demand or purpose.

not geared towards

Suggests that something is not directed or focused on a specific goal or audience.

FAQs

What does "not made for" mean?

The phrase "not made for" means that something is unsuitable, inappropriate, or not designed for a particular purpose, person, or situation. It implies a mismatch between the subject and its intended use.

What are some alternatives to "not made for"?

Alternatives include "unsuitable for", "inappropriate for", "not designed for", "not intended for", or "ill-suited to". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How to use "not made for" in a sentence?

You can use "not made for" to describe anything that is ill-equipped or inappropriate for something else. For example: "These chairs are not made for comfort", or "This software is not made for beginners".

Is it correct to say "not made to" instead of "not made for"?

While "not made to" can also be grammatically correct, it carries a different meaning. "Not made to" usually refers to a lack of obligation or permission, whereas "not made for" indicates unsuitability. For example, "You are not made to stay here" means you are not obligated, while "This tool is not made for cutting steel" means it's unsuitable for the task.