phrasal verb · neutral

make a name for oneself

UK/meɪk ə ˈneɪm fɔː(r) wʌnˈsɛlf/US/meɪk ə ˈneɪm fɔr wʌnˈsɛlf/NAME

speakingtask2

to become known or famous for something

Examples

After her innovation went viral, she really made a name for herself in the design community.

He made a name for himself as a reliable translator.

Many young writers try to make a name for themselves by blogging.

Band 8 sentence

She made a name for herself in the tech sector by launching a practical app that solved daily problems.

Collocations

  • make a name for oneself as
  • make a name for oneself overnight

Word family

name nounfame nounfamous adjective

Common mistakes

make name for oneselfmake a name for oneself

make names for oneselfmake a name for oneself

Say it for a higher band

5get known6become famous7+make a name for oneself

Synonyms

gain a reputation

Easily confused

gain a reputation

She gradually gained a reputation as a careful researcher.

Related words

Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.

In make …

Learn it with its set