English Reference
adjective · verb · noun

accusing

adj. · v. · n.
US /əkˈjuzɪŋ/ UK /ɐkjˈuːzɪŋ/ ac·cus·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.showing that you think someone has done something bad or illegal.

    adj.expressing or suggesting a belief in someone's guilt or wrongdoing through tone, gesture, or expression.

    Simple

    She gave him an accusing look when she saw the broken vase on the floor.

    In context

    The prosecutor maintained an accusing tone throughout the cross-examination, pointedly highlighting the inconsistencies in the witness's timeline.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes, such as 'look', 'tone', or 'finger'.

    accusatoryreproachfulcritical
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    v.the act of saying that someone has done something wrong.

    v.the present participle of 'accuse', used to form continuous tenses or as a participle phrase.

    Simple

    They are accusing him of stealing the money from the office safe.

    In context

    By accusing the board of negligence, the shareholders triggered a mandatory internal investigation into the company's financial practices.

    Usage

    When used as a verb, it is typically followed by the preposition 'of'.

    defendingexonerating
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the act of blaming someone or making an accusation.

    n.the gerund form of the verb, representing the abstract act of making a charge or claim of wrongdoing.

    Simple

    Constant accusing will not help us solve the problem.

    In context

    The endless accusing between the two political factions made it impossible to reach a meaningful compromise on the budget.

    Usage

    Functions as the subject or object of a sentence.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated