What does singled mean?
Singled is the past tense and past participle of the verb single. Its most common use is in the expression “singled out,” meaning deliberately selected from a group for special attention, praise, criticism, responsibility, or treatment. For example, a committee may single out a proposal for further review, while a teacher may single out a student who has made notable progress. The word often suggests that someone or something has been separated from others, either positively or negatively. Although “singled” can sometimes stand alone, as in “a singled issue,” “singled out” is the more frequent construction. It is formal enough for news, academic, and institutional contexts but equally suitable for ordinary conversation. The expression is useful when describing recognition, distinction, or the assignment of special scrutiny.
verbSingled is the past tense and past participle of single. It usually means selected or distinguished from a group, especially in the expression “singled out.”
- Selected or distinguished from a group for special attention, recognition, or treatment.
"Her innovative research singled her out as a leading candidate for the award."
"The committee singled out three projects for additional funding."
"Rather than blaming the entire team, the manager singled out the employee responsible for the error."
To be singled out is to step out of the crowd and into the spotlight.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does singled come from?
Singled was formed by adding the standard English past-tense and past-participle ending -ed to single. Single comes from Old English singel, meaning solitary or individual, and developed into modern English through Middle English usage. The related forms singular, singly, singleton, and singleness reflect the same emphasis on one individual or unit, although singular also has close parallels in Latin.
How singled is actually used
Singled is an inflected form of single and is most familiar in the phrasal verb “single out.” It is neutral in register and common in both formal and informal English.
Easily confused with singled
Singled means selected or distinguished from a group, whereas signed means bearing a signature or having been authorized with one’s signature.