Word
avoiding
Phoneticsavoid·ing
US/əˈvɔɪdɪŋ/
UK/ɐvˈɔɪdɪŋ/
Definitions
01staying away from
A2 · Elementary
v. staying away from a person, place, or thing on purpose.
v. the act of intentionally keeping away from a person, place, or situation. This gerund form functions as the object of a verb or preposition.
“She has been avoiding her neighbor since their argument last week.”
“By avoiding the main highways during rush hour, the courier managed to deliver the documents ahead of the strict deadline.”
Usage
Always followed by a noun phrase or a gerund; never followed by an infinitive.
Pitfall
He is avoiding to talk to me.
He is avoiding talking to me.
The verb 'avoid' must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive (to + verb).
Antonyms
02preventing something
B1 · Intermediate
v. trying to stop something bad or unpleasant from happening.
v. taking action to prevent an undesirable outcome or to refrain from an action.
“Avoiding sugary snacks is a good way to stay healthy.”
“The pilot focused on avoiding a collision by maintaining a safe distance from the other aircraft in the busy corridor.”
Synonyms
03the act of avoidance
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of keeping away from something.
n. the action of shunning or staying clear of something; functions as a pure noun in formal or technical contexts.
“His constant avoiding of the truth made it hard to trust him.”
“The systematic avoiding of tax obligations led to a significant investigation by the federal authorities.”
Teaching tip
While 'avoiding' can be a noun, 'avoidance' is much more common in formal writing.
Antonyms
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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