English Reference

Word

detailing

Phoneticsde·tail·ing, stress on the second syllable

US/dɪˈteɪɫɪŋ/

UK/dˈiːteɪlɪŋ/

Definitions

01decorative features

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun

n. the small, decorative parts or features that make a design look complete.

n. ornamental or decorative features on a building, garment, or piece of furniture that contribute to its overall aesthetic.

“The silver detailing on the dress made it look very expensive.”

“The architect insisted on intricate stone detailing around the window frames to match the historical character of the surrounding neighbourhood.”

02thorough cleaning

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun American English

n. a very deep and careful cleaning of a car, boat, or plane.

n. the process of meticulously cleaning, polishing, and refurbishing an automobile or other vehicle to a professional standard.

“He spent all Saturday morning doing a full detailing of his new car.”

“Professional detailing can significantly increase the resale value of a luxury vehicle by restoring the interior and exterior to showroom condition.”

Synonyms

valetingpolishingrefurbishing

03describing in depth

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. the act of giving a lot of information or facts about something.

v. the present participle of 'detail', meaning to provide a thorough and systematic account or description.

“The report was long, detailing every mistake made during the project.”

“The witness provided a written statement detailing the sequence of events leading up to the accident in exhaustive clarity.”

Antonyms

Real-World Examples

“Onderdonk’s papers contained a letter detailing the long-overlooked narrative.”
Smithsonian Magazine 17 Aug 2026
“Then on Saturday, the Guardian’s Lanre Bakare published a story detailing further claims.”
The Guardian 7 Aug 2026
“They hope to publish a research paper detailing their findings in spring 2027.”
Smithsonian Magazine 9 Jul 2026

Word family

NOUN

detailing(B2)

This entry

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 C1.785–944
Frequency
Frequent
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

QR code

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English Reference