Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Made according to the specifications of an individual: Created or produced specifically for a particular person, based on their unique requirements, measurements, or preferences. It implies a product that is not mass-produced but is tailored to fit an individual's needs.
   • Made to order: Created specifically in response to a customer's order, as opposed to being made for general stock.

2. Noun:

   • An item made to the customer's specifications: A product, such as a piece of clothing, furniture, or jewelry, that has been created according to the exact requirements of the person who ordered it.

Usage

• Adjective: The adjective "custom-made" is used before a noun to describe it. It is often hyphenated.
  • She wore a custom-made gown to the gala.
  • He prefers custom-made suits because they fit him perfectly.
• Noun: The noun "custom-made" refers to the item itself. It is often used with articles like "a" or "the."
  • That suit is a custom-made.
  • The cost of a custom-made is usually higher.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The company specializes in custom-made furniture for small apartments.
  • His custom-made shoes were designed to support his arches.
• Noun:
  • This isn't off the rack; it's a custom-made.
  • The jeweler showed her several custom-mades from his portfolio.

Advanced Usage

• "To be custom-made for": To be perfectly suited or designed for a specific person, purpose, or situation.
  • This software was custom-made for our accounting department.
  • Her skills seem custom-made for this challenging role.

Variants and Related Words

• Custom-built (adj): Specifically constructed to order, often used for larger items like houses or cars.
  • They live in a custom-built home.
• Bespoke (adj, chiefly British): Made to order; the traditional British equivalent of "custom-made," especially for clothing.
  • He buys all his suits from a bespoke tailor.
• Made-to-measure (adj): Specifically made to fit an individual's measurements, a close synonym often used for clothing.
  • Made-to-measure shirts offer a better fit than standard sizes.

Synonyms

• Tailored: Adjusted or adapted to a particular purpose or individual.
• Personalized: Designed or produced to meet someone's personal requirements or preferences.
• Made-to-order: Created specifically after an order is placed.

Antonyms

• Ready-made / Off-the-rack: Made in standard sizes and available for immediate purchase, not to individual order.
• Mass-produced: Manufactured in large quantities using standardized processes.
• Stock: Kept in regular supply for standard sale.

Related Phrases

• Custom fit: A fit that is specifically adjusted for an individual.
  • These boots offer a custom fit.
• One-of-a-kind: Unique, the only one of its kind, which can be a result of being custom-made.
  • The artist creates one-of-a-kind, custom-made sculptures.

Adjective

1. made according to the specifications of an individual

Noun

1. an item made to the customer's specifications