English Reference

Word

backing

Phoneticsback·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈbækɪŋ/

UK/bˈækɪŋ/

Definitions

01financial or moral support

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. help or support, especially money given to help a person or a project succeed.

n. support or approval, particularly in the form of financial investment or official endorsement from an influential person or body.

“The new business failed because it did not have enough financial backing from investors.”

“Without the official backing of the prime minister, the proposed legislation is unlikely to pass the first round of voting in parliament.”

Antonyms

02musical accompaniment

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Music

n. the music or singing that supports the main performer in a song.

n. musical accompaniment provided for a solo performer, often consisting of harmony vocals or a rhythm section.

“She sang the lead part while her friends provided the backing vocals.”

“The singer's powerful voice was complemented by a subtle acoustic backing that allowed the lyrics to remain the focal point.”

Synonyms

03a protective layer

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a layer of material that is put on the back of something to protect it or make it stronger.

n. a layer of material attached to the back or underside of an object for reinforcement, insulation, or protection.

“The carpet has a thick rubber backing to stop it from sliding on the floor.”

“The restorer carefully removed the old paper backing from the photograph to prevent further acidic damage to the original print.”

04supporting a performer

B2 · Upper Intermediate Music

adj. describing musicians or singers who perform with a main star.

adj. functioning as accompaniment or support for a primary performer; typically used attributively.

“He started his career as a backing singer for a famous rock band.”

“The backing band remained in the shadows, ensuring the spotlight stayed firmly on the soloist throughout the performance.”

Synonyms

Antonyms

Collocations

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

Verb

01. secure financial backing

“The startup managed to secure financial backing from a group of venture capitalists.”

verb + noun

02. withdraw one's backing

“The senator decided to withdraw his backing after the scandal became public.”

verb + possessive + noun

Adjective

03. unanimous backing

“The proposal received unanimous backing from the board of directors.”

adj + noun

04. vocal backing

“The protesters enjoyed vocal backing from several prominent local politicians.”

adj + noun

Noun

05. backing singer

“She started her career as a backing singer for a famous pop star.”

noun + noun

06. backing track

“The guitarist practiced his solo over a pre-recorded backing track.”

noun + noun

Preposition

07. with the backing of

“The project was launched with the backing of the national arts council.”

prep + noun + prep

Real-World Examples

“Since the US-Israel war on Iran began, Trump has on several occasions threatened military action against Tehran before backing down at the last moment, observers note.”
Al Jazeera 14 Aug 2026
“After the Guardian revealed he had received a £5m personal gift from Christopher Harborne, a Thailand-based crypto billionaire, in April 2024, he had been dogged by questions about his financial backing.”
The Guardian 14 Aug 2026

Etymology

From back + -ing.

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

Word family

NOUN

backing(C1)

Domains

FilmMusicTelevision

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Common
Level
C1 · AdvancedOxford
Updated

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English Reference