English Reference

Word

amazing

Phoneticsamaz·ing

US/əˈmeɪzɪŋ/

UK/ɐmˈeɪzɪŋ/

Definitions

01surprising

A1 · Beginner

adj. causing great surprise or wonder because it is so unusual.

adj. causing great surprise or wonder; astonishing in nature.

“It is amazing how much the city has changed in just five years.”

“The speed of the recovery was truly amazing, defying the predictions of even the most optimistic medical experts.”

Synonyms

astonishingsurprisingincredible

Antonyms

ordinarypredictable

02excellent

A2 · Elementary Informal

adj. very good, impressive, or enjoyable.

adj. possessing uniquely wonderful qualities; an informal intensifier for excellence.

“We had an amazing time at the concert last night.”

“The hospitality we received was amazing, making what could have been a stressful trip quite pleasant.”

Teaching tip

In professional writing, this sense can feel overused or imprecise; suggest 'exceptional' or 'superb' as alternatives.

Synonyms

wonderfulfantasticgreat

Antonyms

terribleawful

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “amazing” in context.

01. amazing father 02. amazing things

Usage

Commonly modified by 'absolutely' or 'truly' for emphasis.

Pitfall

I am amazing at the movie

I am amazed by the movie

Learners often confuse the '-ing' adjective (describing the thing) with the '-ed' adjective (describing their own feeling).

Etymology

From amaze + -ing, from Old English āmasian.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

ADJECTIVE

amazing(A1)

ADVERB

Related words

amazeamazement

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.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL 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: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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