Word
aching
US/ˈeɪkɪŋ/
UK/ˈeɪkɪŋ/
Definition
adj. feeling a steady, dull pain that is not very sharp but lasts for a long time. You often use this to describe muscles after exercise or a part of your body when you are sick.
adj. characterised by a continuous, dull, and persistent pain. Often used predicatively after linking verbs or attributively to describe a physical sensation or emotional longing.
Examples
“My legs are aching after that long run.”
“She sat down with a sigh, rubbing her aching shoulders after a full day of moving heavy boxes into the new apartment.”
“The athlete pushed through the final mile despite his aching joints, knowing that the recovery period would be as demanding as the race itself.”
Examples
simple
“My legs are aching after that long run.”
contextual
“She sat down with a sigh, rubbing her aching shoulders after a full day of moving heavy boxes into the new apartment.”
complex
“The athlete pushed through the final mile despite his aching joints, knowing that the recovery period would be as demanding as the race itself.”
Usage
Often follows linking verbs like 'feel', 'be', or 'seem'; frequently pairs with 'muscles', 'limbs', or 'heart'.
Pitfall
I have an aching in my arm
I have an ache in my arm
Learners often use the participial adjective 'aching' as a noun instead of the standard noun 'ache'.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/aching