# admitting

/ædˈmɪtɪŋ/ (US) · /ɐdmˈɪtɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/admitting
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. confessing a truth

verb · CEFR B1

saying that something is true, especially if it is something you feel bad about.

For teachers: the act of acknowledging or confessing a fact, often one that is embarrassing or damaging.

- Admitting his mistake was the hardest thing he had to do all week.
- By admitting his involvement in the scandal, the politician hoped to regain some measure of public trust before the upcoming election.

Usage: Often followed by a gerund or a 'that' clause.

### 2. allowing entry

verb · CEFR B2

letting someone or something enter a place or join a group.

For teachers: the process of granting entrance or access to a physical location or an institution.

- The hospital is currently admitting new patients through the emergency door.
- The university is admitting a record number of international students this semester to diversify its campus culture.

Usage: Transitive verb taking a direct object.

### 3. the act of entry

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of being allowed to enter a place.

For teachers: the formal act of allowing someone to enter or the state of being admitted.

- The admitting of the public to the private garden only happens once a year.
- The strict admitting of only authorised personnel ensured that the laboratory remained a secure and sterile environment.

## Examples

- He is admitting that he made a mistake.
- After hours of questioning, the suspect is finally admitting to being at the scene of the crime.
- By admitting the patient immediately, the triage nurse ensured that the allergic reaction was treated before it could compromise the airway.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.