# consenting

/kənˈsɛnɪŋ/ (US) · /kənsˈɛntɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/consenting
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

describing someone who is old enough to make their own decisions and agrees to do something freely.

For teachers: giving permission or agreement to an action or arrangement, particularly in a legal or sexual context. Often used to describe adults who have the mental capacity and legal age to give valid agreement.

## Examples

- The contract was signed by two consenting adults.
- In many legal systems, the age of majority determines when a person is considered capable of being a consenting party to a contract.
- The ethical framework of the study relies on the participation of fully informed, consenting individuals who understand the potential risks and benefits involved in the clinical trial.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They were consent adults." but "They were consenting adults." — Learners often use the noun 'consent' as an adjective instead of the participial form 'consenting'.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun, most commonly in the phrase 'consenting adults'.

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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.