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.
日本語:支援※
“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.”
Synonyms
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.”
Synonyms
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.” “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.” Etymology
From back + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domains
- 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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QR code
englishreference.com/q/backing
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「日本語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0