by design

Idioms  

1. On purpose, deliberately, as in Whether by luck or by design, his application was accepted. This term, originally put as on design, uses design in the sense of “plan.” [First half of 1600s]

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Example Sentences

"Clinical trials are the gold standard, but by design, they are slow," says Guntuku.

From Science Daily • May 24, 2026

But “Never Be the Same” finds Thompson operating at an even higher level of craft than he has in the past, something that was by design.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

Groups including Shelter Scotland and the Scottish Refugee Council have described the current approach as "homelessness by design" because they say the time provided to find a job or new housing is too short.

From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026

It’s not by design — I like playing with people.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

The losses, by design, were no big deal; the losses were part of the plan.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

• consciously
• knowingly
• pointedly
• purposely
• studiously
• voluntarily
• willfully