ENGLISH
REFERENCE

advancing

adj. · n.
US //ədˈvænsɪŋ// UK //ɐdvˈænsɪŋ// ad·vanc·ing
  1. 1 moving forward (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The advancing storm clouds prompted the race officials to suspend the competition until the weather front had safely passed the stadium.
  2. 2 getting older (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    used to describe someone who is becoming old.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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'.
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  1. 3 making progress (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    developing or improving in a specific area.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The advancing tide of public opinion eventually forced the government to reconsider its stance on environmental regulations.
    • regressing
  2. 4 the act of moving forward (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the movement of going forward or making progress.

    the action of proceeding forward or making an advance.

    Example

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

    Example

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

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