preordained outcome

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "preordained outcome" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a result that has been determined in advance, often implying a lack of choice or control over the situation. Example: "The events of the day seemed to lead to a preordained outcome that none of us could have anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But in a number of cases last year, financial markets read too much into the announcements, sending stock and bond prices gyrating on the assumption that the Fed's policy stance implied a preordained outcome to the central bank's next policy-setting meeting.

The New York Times

In California and Washington, that truly decisive election has the added problem of occurring with a highly unrepresentative electorate -- one that is significantly older, whiter, wealthier and more partisan than the general election electorate that then simply rubberstamps the preordained outcome determined by what has happened in the primary.

Huffington Post

"It is an entirely one-sided argument designed to support a preordained outcome".

The Guardian - Business

The preordained outcome followed several acts of odd political theater on the House floor: Republicans urged the defeat of their own measure, while Democrats — who not long ago were seeking just such a vote to raise the debt ceiling without attaching spending cuts — assailed Republicans for bringing it up, saying its certain defeat might unnerve the financial markets.

The New York Times

It shows that deflation is not the preordained outcome of ageing.In this section Spicing up growth More Kirk than Spock A cautious opening Reverse speed Playing nicely The great pruning Money for old folk ReprintsThe problem lies not in identifying the possible links between ageing and prices, but in working out which way they cut.

The Economist

But what is also not acceptable, is the FCC's refusal to cooperate with state attorney general investigations, or allow evidence in the record that would undercut a preordained outcome," she added.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

O'Malley scornfully compared the announced debate rules to professional wrestling, which has preordained outcomes, and proclaimed: "This is the Democratic party and we need to have democratic debates".

The Guardian

Shuffling the deck for each night's debates would be interesting, audience-boosting and remove the idea of preordained outcomes and bias from the run-up.

The Washington Post

"The researchers preordained the outcome by forcing people to choose between two categories," Dr. Patterson said.

The New York Times

While the government allows for the appearance of democratic practices, it makes sure to control the levers of authority to preordain the outcome, analysts and human rights groups charge.

The New York Times

In 1912 the German mathematician Ernst Zermelo proved that such games are strictly determined; by making use of all available information, the players can deduce strategies that are optimal, which makes the outcome preordained (strictly determined).

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "preordained outcome" when you want to emphasize that a result was predetermined and seemingly unavoidable, often due to specific circumstances or control.

Common error

Avoid using "preordained outcome" when the result is simply predictable or highly likely. The phrase implies a level of control or inevitability beyond mere probability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "preordained outcome" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "preordained" modifies the noun "outcome". It describes the nature of the outcome as something that has been decided or determined in advance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "preordained outcome" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe a result determined in advance, implying a lack of control or choice. Ludwig AI confirms this. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "predetermined result" or "inevitable conclusion" exist, "preordained outcome" carries a specific nuance of inevitability due to external control. When writing, it is important to use this phrase when that sense of predetermined control is central to the meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

predetermined result

Emphasizes that the outcome was decided in advance, lacking flexibility.

inevitable conclusion

Highlights the unavoidable nature of the final result.

foregone conclusion

Stresses that the result was known or expected beforehand.

predestined result

Suggests a result determined by fate or a higher power.

certain consequence

Focuses on the assuredness of the outcome following a specific action or event.

unavoidable consequence

Highlights the impossibility of preventing the eventual outcome.

fixed outcome

Implies that the outcome was rigidly set and unchangeable.

assured result

Conveys confidence in the certainty of the final outcome.

predetermined course

Highlights a path or sequence of events leading to a specific outcome.

settled matter

Indicates a decision or result that is already decided and not open to change.

FAQs

What does "preordained outcome" mean?

A "preordained outcome" refers to a result that has been determined in advance, often implying a lack of choice or control over the situation. It suggests the outcome was inevitable, regardless of efforts to change it.

How can I use "preordained outcome" in a sentence?

You can use "preordained outcome" to describe situations where the result seems fixed. For example: "The election felt like a formality, with the outcome a "foregone conclusion"."

What are some alternatives to "preordained outcome"?

Alternatives to "preordained outcome" include "predetermined result", "inevitable conclusion", or "foregone conclusion" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is "preordained outcome" the same as "predictable result"?

While both suggest an expected result, "preordained outcome" implies a higher degree of certainty and often suggests that the result was somehow fixed or destined to happen, while a "predictable result" simply means it was likely based on available information.