# detecting

/dɪˈtɛktɪŋ/ (US) · /dɪtˈɛktɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/detecting
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. noticing something subtle

verb · CEFR B2

noticing or finding something that is not easy to see or hear.

For teachers: identifying the presence or existence of something that is subtle, hidden, or difficult to perceive.

- The security system is very good at detecting movement in the dark.
- Modern sensors are capable of detecting minute changes in atmospheric pressure long before a storm actually arrives.

### 2. the act of finding

noun · CEFR B2

the act of finding something, especially using a special tool or skill.

For teachers: the action or process of identifying something, often used as a gerund in formal or technical contexts.

- The early detecting of the problem saved the company a lot of money.
- The rapid detecting of chemical leaks is essential for maintaining safety standards within the industrial facility.

## Examples

- The sensor is detecting changes in temperature.
- Security cameras are detecting movement in the parking lot after dark.
- The new software is detecting subtle patterns in user behavior that were previously invisible to analysts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.