Word
cursing
Phoneticscurs·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɝsɪŋ/
UK/kˈɜːsɪŋ/
Uncountable noun Informal
Definition
n. the act of using rude or offensive words, often because you are angry or surprised.
n. the use of offensive or profane language, typically as an expression of anger or frustration.
Examples
“He got in trouble for cursing in the classroom.”
“The coach was warned by the referee that his constant cursing was setting a bad example for the players.”
“While some view cursing as a sign of a limited vocabulary, linguists often argue it serves as an effective emotional release during moments of high stress.”
Examples
simple
“He got in trouble for cursing in the classroom.”
contextual
“The coach was warned by the referee that his constant cursing was setting a bad example for the players.”
complex
“While some view cursing as a sign of a limited vocabulary, linguists often argue it serves as an effective emotional release during moments of high stress.”
Usage
Often functions as a gerund; frequently follows verbs of perception or prohibition like 'hear' or 'stop'.
Real-World Examples
“I remember saying: “What the fuck is this?” and my mom telling me off for cursing.” Etymology
From curse + -ing.
From Middle English cursing, cursyng, cursunge, from Old English cursung (“cursing”), equivalent to curse + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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 C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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