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

“That was by design — to infuse the club and the community and grow that,” Reynolds said of he and his partner’s aims.

From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026

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

Though none of this was by design, it proved to be the best possible setting for those who had been imprisoned in Germany.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

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