English Reference
adjective · verb

affecting

adj. · v.
US /əˈfɛktɪŋ/ UK /ɐfˈɛktɪŋ/ af·fect·ing

  1. 01 C1 Advanced FormalLiterary

    adj.causing strong feelings, especially sadness, pity, or sympathy.

    adj.evoking a strong emotional response, typically one of pathos, sympathy, or sadness.

    Simple

    The old man told an affecting story about his childhood during the war.

    In context

    The documentary concludes with an affecting montage of the refugees' journey, leaving the audience in a state of contemplative silence.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it describes.

    unmovinguninspiring
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.the -ing form of 'affect', meaning to cause a change in someone or something.

    v.the present participle of 'affect', meaning to produce an effect upon or to influence a particular outcome.

    Simple

    The rising cost of fuel is affecting many small businesses in the area.

    In context

    The new environmental regulations are already affecting the way local manufacturers handle industrial waste and chemical runoff.

    Pitfall
    The weather is effecting my mood. The weather is affecting my mood.

    Use 'affecting' as a verb for influence; 'effecting' means bringing something into existence and is much rarer.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.pretending to feel or be something to impress others.

    v.the present participle of 'affect', meaning to assume a character, accent, or emotion artificially.

    Simple

    He was affecting a British accent to sound more sophisticated at the party.

    In context

    By affecting an air of indifference, the negotiator managed to hide his desperate need to close the deal before the deadline.

Usage affecting food · affecting nearly · affecting schools

Romania has shut down its only nuclear power station because of extremely low water levels in the Danube river caused by prolonged hot weather affecting much of Europe.

BBC News· 13 Aug 2026

The heat is not only affecting how much produce is grown, but also how it looks.

BBC News· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated