Word
easing
Phoneticseas·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈizɪŋ/
UK/ˈiːzɪŋ/
Definitions
01becoming less intense
B1 · Intermediate
v. becoming less strong, difficult, or painful.
v. the present participle of 'ease', describing a reduction in pressure, pain, or intensity.
“The rain is finally easing, so we can go for a walk soon.”
“With the tension in the room slowly easing, the negotiators finally felt comfortable enough to discuss the more sensitive clauses of the treaty.”
02reduction of rules or pressure
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of making rules or a difficult situation less strict.
n. the act or process of making a situation less burdensome or a regulation less stringent.
“The easing of travel restrictions meant that families could finally visit each other.”
“Economists predicted that a gradual easing of interest rates would encourage small businesses to invest in new equipment over the coming year.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03economic stimulus
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical · Academic
n. a specific action by a central bank to put more money into the economy.
n. a technical term for monetary policy where a central bank purchases government bonds to increase the money supply.
“The government used quantitative easing to help the economy grow during the crisis.”
“The central bank's reliance on quantitative easing sparked a heated debate among policymakers regarding the long-term risks of inflation and currency devaluation.”
Usage
Almost always appears in the phrase 'quantitative easing'.
Teaching tip
While 'easing' is general, in a financial news context, it almost always refers to 'quantitative easing' (QE).
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Underwater data centers could help AI grow while easing some of the pressure on land, energy and water.” “More than 400,000 people were ordered to move as flood risks remained high despite easing rainfall.” Word family
NOUN
- 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
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