What does "determining" mean?

1. (deciding or establishing) the act of deciding something officially or finding out the exact facts. 2. (causing a result) being the most important reason why something happens or how it ends.

How do you use "determining"?

Often used as a gerund to describe a process of investigation. Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

determining

v. · adj.

US //dɪˈtɝmənɪŋ// UK //dɪtˈɜːmɪnɪŋ// de·ter·min·ing

1 deciding or establishing (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the act of deciding something officially or finding out the exact facts.

the process of establishing something exactly by calculation, research, or authoritative decision.

Example

Determining the cause of the accident took the investigators several weeks.

Example

Determining the precise sequence of events required a meticulous review of the surveillance footage and multiple witness statements.

Usage

Often used as a gerund to describe a process of investigation.
2 causing a result (adj.)
C1 Advanced Academic

being the most important reason why something happens or how it ends.

functioning as a decisive or causal factor in a situation or outcome.

Example

The cost of the project was the determining factor in our final choice.

Example

Market volatility proved to be the determining influence on the board's decision to postpone the initial public offering.

Usage

Usually placed before the noun it modifies.
- insignificant
- minor

Last updated June 20, 2026