Word
clearing
Phoneticsclear·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɫɪɹɪŋ/
UK/klˈiəɹɪŋ/
Definitions
01open space in a forest
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a small area of land in a forest or woods that has no trees.
n. a tract of land within a wood or forest that is devoid of trees.
“We found a sunny clearing in the middle of the woods and decided to have our picnic there.”
“The hikers emerged from the dense undergrowth into a wide clearing, where the sunlight finally reached the forest floor.”
02financial settlement
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Finance Technical
n. the process where banks exchange information to complete payments and settle debts.
n. the procedure by which financial institutions settle mutual claims and exchange payment information through a central system.
“The bank handles the clearing of thousands of cheques every day.”
“The central bank introduced a new automated clearing system to reduce the time required for international wire transfers to settle.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun or as a modifier in 'clearing house'.
Synonyms
03university admissions
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Education British English
n. a system in the UK where students can find available places at a university if they do not have an offer.
n. the process in the United Kingdom by which unplaced applicants are matched with remaining university vacancies before the academic year begins.
“He didn't get the grades he needed for his first choice, so he found a place through clearing.”
“During the busy clearing period in August, university phone lines are staffed by advisors helping students navigate their remaining options.”
Teaching tip
This is a specific cultural term for the UK higher education system; learners in the US would use 'rolling admissions' or 'late registration' for similar concepts.
04removing an obstacle
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of making a space empty or removing things that are in the way.
n. the act or process of removing obstructions or unwanted items from a specific area.
“The clearing of the snow from the roads took several hours after the storm.”
“The council ordered the immediate clearing of the site to ensure that construction could begin on schedule.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“The reef still faces enormous challenges from climate change, extreme weather and ongoing land-use pressures, including tree clearing.” “Its vines blanket trees and power lines, turning roadside clearings into walls of green.” “You can contact your university before you start to ask about changing course, or you can apply for courses at other universities through clearing.” Etymology
From clear + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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