Ever hear someone say a project is “slated for release” and wonder what that actually means? I know I’ve done a double take before. The word slated pops up a lot, but its meaning changes depending on where and how it’s used. Let’s break it down.
The Main Meaning of Slated
At its most common, slated means something that has been scheduled or planned. For example, if a movie is slated for release in December, it means the date has been officially set. This sense of the word is used in business, news, and entertainment all the time.
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A new policy can be slated to start on a certain date.
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A sports event might be slated for the weekend.
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A concert tour can be slated to visit multiple cities.
This use comes from the idea of writing something down on a slate, like an old-fashioned chalkboard. Once it’s written down, it’s set in place.
Other Ways People Use Slated
The word doesn’t stop at scheduling—it has a few other lives too.
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Criticism: In British English, if something is slated, it often means it has been harshly criticized. Example: “The new play was slated by critics.”
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Construction: A roof can be slated, meaning it’s covered with slate tiles. This use is more literal and tied to building materials.
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Assigned Role: Sometimes slated means someone is chosen for a specific job. Example: “She’s slated to become the next CEO.”
It’s one of those words where the meaning depends heavily on context.
Interesting Facts About the Word Slated
Here are a few neat things about this word:
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Old School Origins: The root comes from slate—a type of stone used as a writing surface before paper became common.
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Hollywood Loves It: In filmmaking, a slate is that clapperboard with the scene number. When you hear “slated,” it can connect back to scheduling shots.
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Different Across the Pond: Americans mostly use slated to mean “scheduled,” while Brits use it often to mean “criticized.”
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Sports Fans Hear It Often: Game schedules, especially in American football and baseball, are full of phrases like “slated to start.”
Quick Ways to Remember What Slated Means
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If you’re in the U.S. and see it in news or business: planned or scheduled.
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If you’re reading a British review: probably criticized.
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If it’s about a roof: covered with slate tiles.
When in doubt, check the context—the sentence usually gives away which meaning is intended.
Personal Insight
I remember the first time I saw a headline that said, “The new policy is slated to begin next year.” I thought, “Wait, are they criticizing it or planning it?” That’s when I realized how important context is. Honestly, I love words like this—they keep language interesting and sometimes a little playful.
Wrapping It Up
So, what does slated mean? Most of the time in American English, it means something has been scheduled or set to happen. In British English, it can also mean criticized. And every now and then, it’s about construction or assignments.
Have you ever come across the word slated used in a way that confused you? Share your experience—I’d love to hear which meaning you’ve bumped into most often!