Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Made specifically for a particular person or purpose: Describes something, especially clothing, that is custom-made to fit an individual's measurements or requirements precisely.
   • Perfectly suited or ideal for a specific situation or person: Describes something that is perfectly appropriate or adapted for a particular need, role, or set of conditions.

Usage and Examples

• Adjective:
  • He wore a tailor-made suit to the interview. (The suit was custom-made for his specific measurements.)
  • This training program is tailor-made for new managers. (The program is specially designed to meet the specific needs of new managers.)
  • Her skills are tailor-made for this challenging project. (Her skills are perfectly suited for the requirements of the project.)

Advanced Usage

• Used figuratively: The term is often used beyond clothing to describe anything created or adapted for a specific, individual purpose.
  • The software offers tailor-made solutions for small businesses.
  • The diplomat's background was tailor-made for the sensitive negotiations.

Variants and Related Words

• Tailor (verb): To make or adapt something for a particular purpose or person.
  • We can tailor the course to your team's needs.
• Custom-made (adjective): Made to order according to individual specifications. (A close synonym, often interchangeable with 'tailor-made' for physical objects.)
• Bespoke (adjective): Chiefly British English for custom-made, especially for clothing or services.

Synonyms

• Custom-made
• Made-to-order
• Bespoke
• Customized
• Personalized

Antonyms

• Off-the-rack (for clothing)
• Ready-made
• Standardized
• Mass-produced

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A tailor-made fit: Describes something that fits a situation or person perfectly.
  • His experience provided a tailor-made fit for the job.
• To be tailor-made for someone/something: To be ideally suited.
  • This opportunity seems tailor-made for her.

Noun

1. custom-made clothing

Adjective

1. (of clothing) custom-made