English Reference

Word

advancing

Phoneticsad·vanc·ing, stress on the second syllable

US/ədˈvænsɪŋ/

UK/ɐdvˈænsɪŋ/

Definitions

01moving forward

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. moving toward a person or place, often in a threatening way.

adj. moving forward in a physical sense, frequently used in military or competitive contexts to describe an approaching force.

“The villagers fled into the mountains to escape the advancing army.”

“The advancing storm clouds prompted the race officials to suspend the competition until the weather front had safely passed the stadium.”

02getting older

C1 · Advanced Formal

adj. used to describe someone who is becoming old.

adj. progressing in age; almost exclusively used in the phrase 'advancing years' as a polite way to discuss aging.

“Despite his advancing years, he still walks five miles every morning.”

“She remained remarkably sharp and active despite her advancing age, continuing to publish academic papers well into her eighties.”

Usage

Usually appears before the noun 'age' or 'years'.

Synonyms

03making progress

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. developing or improving in a specific area.

adj. making progress or developing in a specific field, technology, or social movement.

“The advancing technology in smartphones makes older models look very basic.”

“The advancing tide of public opinion eventually forced the government to reconsider its stance on environmental regulations.”

Antonyms

regressing

04the act of moving forward

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal

n. the movement of going forward or making progress.

n. the action of proceeding forward or making an advance.

“The advancing of the project was slowed down by a lack of money.”

“The steady advancing of the desert across the plains has become a major concern for local farmers and environmentalists.”

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“Eight of those 20 teams would take part in a play-in round, with four advancing to create a final field of 16 teams.”
The Guardian 20 Aug 2026
“Importantly, you should master each task or level of difficulty before advancing.”
ScienceDaily 16 Aug 2026

This entry

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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English Reference