# advancing

/ədˈvænsɪŋ/ (US) · /ɐdvˈænsɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. moving forward

adjective · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 2. getting older

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

used to describe someone who is becoming old.

For teachers: 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'.

### 3. making progress

adjective · CEFR B2

developing or improving in a specific area.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. the act of moving forward

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the movement of going forward or making progress.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The advancing technology makes our lives much easier.
- The advancing army reached the border by dawn, forcing the local residents to evacuate immediately.
- Despite his advancing years, the professor maintained a sharp intellect and continued to publish groundbreaking research in the field of theoretical physics.

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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.