ENGLISH
REFERENCE

designing

n. · adj.
US //dɪˈzaɪnɪŋ// UK //dɪzˈaɪnɪŋ// de·sign·ing
  1. 1 the process of creation (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

  2. 2 scheming or dishonest (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

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