# adulting

/əˈdʌltɪŋ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/adulting
Updated: 2026-09-29

## Definition

the act of doing grown-up tasks that are necessary but often boring, like paying bills or doing laundry. You use this word when you want to joke about how hard it is to be a responsible adult.

For teachers: the practice of performing mundane but necessary tasks associated with adult life, such as financial management or household chores. Informal in register and often used with a self-deprecating or ironic tone.

## Examples

- I did all my laundry today, so I am done with adulting.
- After a long week of adulting, including a trip to the bank and a dental appointment, she spent the whole weekend playing video games.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a gerund to describe the general activity of being a responsible adult.

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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.