appointed

American  

[uh-poin-tid] / əˈpɔɪn tɪd /

adjective

1. by, through, or as a result of an appointment (often in contrast withelected ).

   an appointed official.

2. predetermined; arranged; set.

   They met at the appointed time in the appointed place.

3. provided with what is necessary; equipped; furnished.

   a beautifully appointed office.

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Related Words

See furnish.

Other Word Forms

• quasi-appointed adjective
• unappointed adjective

Etymology

Origin of appointed

First recorded in 1525–35; appoint + -ed ²

Explanation

To be appointed is to be given a task or job. If you're appointed as the week's doughnut fetcher at work, it means you've been assigned the job of bringing treats for everyone. You might be appointed for a small duty or for a large promotion, as when the gym teacher at school is unexpectedly appointed principal. Another way to use the adjective appointed is to mean "well furnished." Lovely homes and fancy hotels are often described as "well appointed" or "luxuriously appointed.

Example Sentences

“We are active in the market as we speak, and we anticipate that my successor will be appointed in the second half of this year,” Green said.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Earlier in April, Dow appointed Karen Carter to succeed long-time Chief Executive Jim Fitterling, who has been at the company’s helm since August 2018 and board chair since April 2020.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Over the course of her career, she published hundreds of scientific papers and became the first woman to be appointed a full professor at Harvard University.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

President George W. Bush appointed Roberts and Alito to the high court, as well as Kavanaugh to the U.S.

From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026

The Muellers indeed met me at the station, though not quite at the appointed time.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson

Related Words

• selected