tailor-made
B2Semi-formal to formal
Definition
Meaning
Made specifically to fit an individual person or purpose; custom-made.
Perfectly suited to a particular person, situation, or requirement; ideally matched.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily functions as an adjective or compound modifier. When hyphenated, it implies a bespoke, custom fit. Without hyphen ('tailor made'), it often functions as a verb phrase ('tailor made the suit'). The hyphenated form is more common in UK English, while the single-word 'tailormade' is occasionally seen but less standard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Hyphenation is common in both, but slightly more prevalent in UK English. The concept is equally understood. In UK English, it may carry a stronger association with traditional bespoke clothing/suit-making.
Connotations
Both varieties strongly connote customisation, precision, and perfect suitability. In US English, it can sometimes be used more broadly for any customised service/product beyond clothing.
Frequency
Comparatively similar frequency. Slightly more common in business/consultancy contexts in US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be tailor-made for [person/entity]be tailor-made to [infinitive verb phrase]provide a tailor-made [noun]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A tailor-made opportunity/situation.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to services, solutions, or products specifically developed for a client's unique needs. e.g., 'We offer tailor-made financial advice.'
Academic
Used for specialised programmes of study, research methodologies, or theoretical frameworks adapted for a specific purpose.
Everyday
Most commonly used for clothing, but also for holidays, gifts, or any item/service perceived as perfectly fitting one's requirements.
Technical
In computing/engineering, can describe custom-configured hardware, software, or systems.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The consultancy will tailor-make a recovery plan for the client.
- We can tailor-make your package to include airport transfers.
American English
- The software was tailor-made to handle large datasets.
- They tailor-made a curriculum for the advanced students.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He bought a tailor-made suit.
- The shoes are not tailor-made.
- This software isn't standard; it's tailor-made for our company.
- They offer tailor-made holidays for families.
- The government rejected a one-size-fits-all approach in favour of a series of tailor-made local solutions.
- Her skills were tailor-made for the challenges of the new role.
- The treaty's clauses were meticulously tailor-made to address the geopolitical nuances of the region.
- Critics argued the policy was tailor-made to benefit vested interests rather than the public good.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TAILOR who has MADE a suit that fits you perfectly. The suit is TAILOR-MADE.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING FIT IS SUITABILITY (A solution tailored to fit a problem like a suit fits a body).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'пошитый' for non-clothing contexts. Use 'созданный специально (для)', 'индивидуальный', 'подобранный специально'. For the verb, use 'подгонять под', 'адаптировать' rather than 'шить'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb without 'tailor' as a separate verb first (e.g., 'He tailor-made a plan' is okay; 'He tailor-mades plans' is wrong). Confusing 'tailor-made' (adj) with 'tailored' (adj/verb). Overusing it for minor adjustments.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'tailor-made' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard adjectival form is hyphenated: 'tailor-made'. The verb form is two words: 'tailor made' (e.g., 'He tailor made it'). The single word 'tailormade' is seen but is less common and not the preferred form in most style guides.
They are largely synonymous. 'Tailor-made' originates specifically from clothing (tailoring) and can carry a stronger connotation of perfect, precise suitability. 'Custom-made' is broader and can apply to any product made to order. 'Bespoke' is a closer synonym, especially in UK English.
Yes, it's frequently used for intangible concepts like solutions, plans, programmes, and advice to emphasise they are specially designed for a specific situation or person.
The hyphenated form is primarily an adjective. The verb usage (to tailor-make) exists but is less frequent than simply using the verb 'tailor' (e.g., 'tailor a solution'). 'Tailor-made' as a past participle is common (e.g., 'was tailor-made').
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