# controlling

/kənˈtɹoʊɫɪŋ/ (US) · /kəntɹˈəʊlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/controlling
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. managing or directing

verb · CEFR B1

managing, directing, or limiting how something works or happens.

For teachers: the present participle of 'control', used to describe the act of exercising power or influence over a system, process, or entity.

- The pilot is controlling the plane's altitude during the storm.
- By controlling the flow of information, the administration managed to shape public perception of the crisis before the full report was released.

### 2. dominating others

adjective · CEFR B2

trying to limit what other people do or how they behave in an unfair way.

For teachers: describing a person or behaviour that seeks to exercise excessive or restrictive influence over others.

- He found it hard to stay in the relationship because his partner was very controlling.
- The manager's controlling nature stifled creativity within the team, as employees felt unable to make even minor decisions without prior approval.

### 3. the act of control

noun · CEFR B2

the act of keeping something under power or influence.

For teachers: the gerund form of 'control', referring to the process or action of exercising authority or regulation.

- Controlling the spread of the virus required everyone to stay home.
- Effective controlling of the budget is essential for the long-term viability of the non-profit organisation.

## Examples

- She is controlling the budget for the new office project.
- The pilot is controlling the aircraft manually because the automatic system failed during the storm.
- By controlling the flow of information within the organization, the management team effectively shaped the staff's perception of the upcoming merger.

---

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.