working as designed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "working as designed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that something has been created and implemented in a way that meets the original expectations and goals. For example, "The new software system is working as designed and has been successful in streamlining our processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A reporter happened to be sitting with him as the rover's most sophisticated instrument, called the SAM, beamed back data showing it was working as designed.

Independent

In that August week, operators spent less time taking calls, suggesting that despite its initial problems, the new computer interface rolled out in May was working as designed.

The New York Times

The car's braking system, which cuts power to the engine when the brake pedal is moderately depressed, "was working as designed and would have easily stopped the vehicle," Mr. Michels said.

The New York Times

James R. Heckel Sparta, N.J., April 22, 2008 To the Editor: In Bob Herbert's column, Bill Gates is quoted as saying that "our high schools — even when they're working as designed — cannot teach all our students what they need to know today".

The New York Times

However, in order to enforce the protocol working as designed and protect the network against certain vulnerabilities, the link security authentication mechanism is also needed.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

It confirms the collaborative approach adopted by Huawei, the UK Government and operators is working as designed, meeting obligations and providing unique, world class network integrity assurance through ongoing risk management.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

And so they did, from about 15,000 feet, as their explosive ejection seats worked as designed.

The New York Times

Mr Chun said the workers wear protective clothing and that an air monitor worked as designed.

The Guardian

There are questions about whether the efficiency efforts will work as designed.

The New York Times

"Today's announcement starts a testing process, which will demonstrate whether the proposed fix will work as designed".

The New York Times

As he aims the quarter-million-dollar convertible toward a small turnout some distance ahead, I'm hoping the carbon-ceramic brakes will work as designed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on system performance, use "working as designed" to assure stakeholders that the system meets its intended purpose, building confidence in its reliability. This is especially effective after initial issues have been resolved.

Common error

Avoid using "working as designed" as a mere marketing buzzword. Substantiate the claim with concrete examples or data to avoid appearing disingenuous, especially if the product has had prior performance issues.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "working as designed" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun (either explicitly stated or implied) to indicate that something is operating according to its intended specifications. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that the expectations are being met.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "working as designed" is a common expression used to indicate that something is functioning according to its intended specifications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While relatively uncommon, it frequently appears in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the claim is supported by evidence, especially in marketing scenarios, to maintain credibility. Alternative phrases such as "functioning as intended" or "operating as expected" can be used for variety. Overall, "working as designed" is a clear and effective way to communicate that a system or product is performing as expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioning as intended

Replaces 'designed' with 'intended', focusing on the purpose rather than the specific design.

operating as expected

Shifts the focus to the operational aspect and whether it meets expectations.

performing as specified

Emphasizes adherence to technical specifications.

running as planned

Highlights the execution aspect aligning with the initial plan.

behaving as programmed

More suitable for software or automated systems, focusing on programmed behavior.

acting as engineered

Similar to 'designed' but emphasizes the engineering aspect.

in accordance with its blueprint

A more formal way of saying it is working according to its original plan or blueprint.

meeting design specifications

Highlights that the actual performance aligns with documented design goals.

fulfilling its design criteria

A slightly more formal way to express that the system achieves its design objectives.

achieving its intended function

Focuses on the fulfillment of the intended function or role.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to be "working as designed"?

When something is "working as designed", it means it is functioning in the way it was intended or engineered to function, meeting the original specifications and expectations.

How can I use "working as designed" in a sentence?

You might say, "The car's braking system is "working as designed", ensuring safe stops" or "The software update is "working as designed", resolving previous bugs".

What are some alternatives to saying "working as designed"?

You can use alternatives like "functioning as intended", "operating as expected", or "performing as specified" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "working as designed" or "working as intended"?

Both "working as designed" and "working as intended" are correct. "Working as designed" focuses more on the engineering and specific design, while "working as intended" emphasizes the overall purpose or goal. Use the one that best fits the specific situation.