# barring

/ˈbɑɹɪŋ/ (US) · /bˈɑːɹɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/barring
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. except for

preposition · CEFR B2

you use this to say that something will happen unless a specific problem occurs.

For teachers: excepting or excluding a specific circumstance; used to indicate that a statement is true provided a certain event does not occur.

- Barring any last-minute delays, the plane should land at noon.
- Barring a sudden and unforeseen economic downturn, the company expects to see record profits by the end of the fiscal year.

### 2. blocking or preventing

verb · CEFR B2

the act of stopping someone from entering a place or doing something.

For teachers: the act of excluding someone from a place or privilege, or physically obstructing a passage.

- The security guards were barring the protesters from entering the building.
- The new legislation was effective in barring unqualified candidates from holding high-level administrative positions within the civil service.

### 3. pattern of stripes

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a pattern made of stripes or bars of color.

For teachers: a collective arrangement or pattern of stripes, bars, or lines on a surface.

- The bird is easily identified by the dark barring on its wings.
- The geologist noted the distinct horizontal barring in the sedimentary rock, which indicated different periods of mineral deposition.

### 4. mining supports

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

heavy pieces of wood used to hold up the roof of a mine tunnel.

For teachers: timber or structural members used for supporting the roof or sides of shafts in underground excavations.

- The old mine collapsed because the wooden barring had rotted away over time.
- Engineers inspected the vertical barring of the shaft to ensure the structural integrity of the mine before allowing the crew to descend.

Usage: Commonly used in historical mining contexts or specific engineering reports.

## Examples

- Everyone passed the test, barring John.
- The flight will depart on time, barring any unexpected weather delays.
- Barring a sudden shift in global markets, the company expects steady growth throughout the fiscal year.

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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.