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]

---

Example Sentences

The role’s ambiguity, offering no hint of seniority or rank, is by design.

From MarketWatch • May 9, 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

Private-market investing is long-term by design, as is retirement investing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

But there was a Germany the boys could not see, a Germany that was hidden from them, either by design or by time.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown

Related Words

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