# combating

/kəmˈbætɪŋ/ (US) · /kˈɒmbætɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/combating
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

taking action to stop something bad from happening or getting worse. You use it when talking about fighting problems like crime, disease, or climate change.

For teachers: taking active steps to reduce, stop, or defeat something harmful. Present participle of 'combat'; functions as the head of a verb phrase or as a gerund.

## Examples

- The government is combating rising inflation with new laws.
- Scientists are currently combating the spread of the virus by developing more effective vaccines and treatments.
- Successfully combating systemic poverty requires more than just financial aid; it demands a comprehensive restructuring of educational and social support systems to ensure long-term stability for the most vulnerable populations.

## Pitfalls

- Not "combating against the problem" but "combating the problem" — Combat is a transitive verb; it does not take the preposition 'against' like the verb 'fight' sometimes does.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object representing the problem or opponent being fought.

---

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.