English Reference
noun · adjective

designing

n. · adj.
US /dɪˈzaɪnɪŋ/ UK /dɪzˈaɪnɪŋ/ de·sign·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.the act or process of planning and making a new product, building, or system.

    n.the systematic process of conceptualising and creating a plan or specification for the construction of an object or system.

    Simple

    The designing of the new library took several months of hard work.

    In context

    The designing of the urban transport network required close collaboration between civil engineers and environmental consultants to ensure long-term sustainability.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Literary

    adj.clever at planning things in a way that is dishonest or selfish.

    adj.characterised by artful or deceitful schemes; often used to describe a person's manipulative nature.

    Simple

    In the old story, the designing stepmother tried to steal the family's money.

    In context

    The protagonist found himself surrounded by designing courtiers who sought to exploit his sudden rise to power for their own political gain.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated