ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cracking

adj. · n. · adv. · v.
US //ˈkɹækɪŋ// UK //kɹˈækɪŋ// crack·ing
  1. 1 excellent (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal British English

    very good, exciting, or impressive.

    denoting excellence or high quality. Primarily British in register and informal in tone.

    Example

    We had a cracking time at the party last night.

    Example

    The striker scored a cracking goal from thirty yards out, securing a last-minute victory for the home team.

    Usage

    Commonly used before a noun like 'time', 'goal', or 'pace'.
  2. 2 fast (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    moving at a very fast speed.

    characterised by high speed or rapid progress.

    Example

    The car drove past us at a cracking pace.

    Example

    The project moved along at a cracking pace once the additional funding was approved by the board.

    Usage

    Almost always used in the phrase 'at a cracking pace'.
  3. 3 forming cracks (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    the process of lines or breaks appearing on a surface.

    the physical process of developing fissures or fractures in a material.

    Example

    The old walls showed signs of cracking after the dry summer.

    Example

    Structural engineers were called in to assess the severe cracking in the building's foundation following the minor earthquake.

    Teacher's tip

    In a technical context, this is a neutral description of damage, not a positive adjective.
  4. 4 oil processing (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    a way of breaking down oil to make petrol.

    the process whereby complex organic molecules are broken down into simpler molecules such as light hydrocarbons.

    Example

    Cracking is an important step in making fuel for cars.

    Example

    Fluid catalytic cracking remains one of the most important conversion processes used in modern petroleum refineries.
  5. 5 very (adv.)
    C1 Advanced Informal British English

    used to mean 'very' when you are praising something.

    an intensifier used to modify adjectives, typically carrying a positive or impressive connotation.

    Example

    That was a cracking good read.

    Example

    It was a cracking good performance by the lead actor, who managed to capture the character's internal struggle perfectly.
  6. 6 breaking or making a sound (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the action of breaking slightly or making a sharp noise.

    the present participle of crack; used for the act of fracturing or producing a sudden sharp noise.

    Example

    I could hear the wood cracking in the fireplace.

    Example

    The sound of ice cracking under the weight of the vehicle sent a wave of panic through the rescue team.
Origin

From Middle English crakynge.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026