slated: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1General (scheduling sense) and Formal/Journalistic (critical sense).
Quick answer
What does “slated” mean?
The past tense and past participle of the verb 'slate', primarily meaning 'to schedule, plan, or designate for a particular time' or 'to criticize severely'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The past tense and past participle of the verb 'slate', primarily meaning 'to schedule, plan, or designate for a particular time' or 'to criticize severely'.
As an adjective, it can describe something covered with slate (e.g., a slated roof). In the context of media/programming, 'be slated for' means officially planned or announced. In criticism, 'be slated by' means to be harshly condemned.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The critical sense ('to criticise severely') is much more common in British English. The scheduling sense is neutral and used in both varieties.
Connotations
In British English, 'slated' (criticism) implies a public, forceful, and often humiliating rebuke. In American English, this connotation is rare and the word is almost exclusively associated with scheduling or roofing.
Frequency
In US English, the scheduling sense is far more frequent. In UK English, both senses are current, with the scheduling sense likely more dominant overall.
Grammar
How to Use “slated” in a Sentence
[Subject] be slated for [Noun Phrase (time/event)][Subject] be slated to [Infinitive Verb][Subject] be slated by [Agent]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slated” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The minister was heavily slated in the press for his remarks.
- The festival is slated to take place in July.
American English
- The product launch is slated for early fall.
- His latest book was slated by a few critics, but readers loved it.
adjective
British English
- They live in a beautiful, slated cottage in the Cotswolds.
American English
- The historic building features a steep, slated roof.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The merger is slated for completion in Q4.
Academic
The conference was slated by several prominent scholars for its methodological flaws.
Everyday
The new series is slated to start next month.
Technical
The roof was slated with Welsh blue stone.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slated”
- Using 'slated' to mean 'delayed' (it means *planned/scheduled*, which implies a future time, not a postponement).
- Using the critical sense ('The boss slated my idea') in American English where it sounds unnatural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The most common meaning is the past tense of 'to slate' in the sense of 'to schedule or plan for a particular time' (e.g., 'The event is slated for June').
Not directly. The scheduling sense is neutral. The critical sense is negative. The adjectival sense (made of slate) is descriptive. It does not carry an inherent positive meaning like 'praised'.
The scheduling sense is used in general and formal contexts. The critical sense is more formal/journalistic. The roofing sense is technical.
Be aware that the strong meaning of 'to criticise severely' is very rare in American English. Using it in that sense might cause confusion, as an American listener would likely assume you mean 'scheduled'.
The past tense and past participle of the verb 'slate', primarily meaning 'to schedule, plan, or designate for a particular time' or 'to criticize severely'.
Slated: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsleɪtɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsleɪtɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the slate (recorded for future payment/debate, archaic)”
- “a clean slate (a fresh start)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **SCHEDULE** written on a piece of **SLATE** rock. The meeting is 'slated' (written on the slate) for 3 PM.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCHEDULING IS INSCRIPTION (writing on a slate). CRITICISM IS A PHYSICAL BEATING (to slate someone).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'slated' MOST commonly used to mean 'harshly criticised'?