# aiming

/ˈeɪmɪŋ/ (US) · /ˈeɪmɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. targeting a goal

verb · CEFR A2

trying to reach a goal or achieve something specific.

For teachers: directing one's efforts or intentions toward a specific objective or outcome.

- The company is aiming for a twenty percent increase in sales this year.
- The government is currently aiming to reduce carbon emissions by half before the end of the decade through aggressive policy changes.

Usage: Often followed by the preposition 'for' plus a noun, or 'at' plus a gerund.

### 2. pointing at a target

verb · CEFR B1

pointing a weapon, camera, or tool at a specific person or thing.

For teachers: pointing or directing a weapon, object, or gaze toward a specific physical target.

- He spent a long time aiming his camera at the rare bird in the tree.
- The archer stood perfectly still, aiming his arrow at the center of the target while waiting for the wind to die down.

Usage: Typically takes the preposition 'at'.

### 3. the act of targeting

noun · CEFR B2

the physical act of pointing something at a target.

For teachers: the action of directing a projectile or gaze toward a mark; the technical execution of a shot.

- His aiming was slightly off, so the ball missed the goal.
- The instructor noted that her aiming improved significantly once she learned to control her breathing during the release.

## Examples

- She is aiming for a promotion by the end of the year.
- The archer spent several seconds aiming at the center of the target before releasing the arrow.
- By aiming for a more sustainable supply chain, the corporation hopes to reduce its carbon footprint while simultaneously appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

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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.