# easing

/ˈizɪŋ/ (US) · /ˈiːzɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/easing
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. becoming less intense

verb · CEFR B1

becoming less strong, difficult, or painful.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. reduction of rules or pressure

noun · CEFR B2

the act of making rules or a difficult situation less strict.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. economic stimulus

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

a specific action by a central bank to put more money into the economy.

For teachers: 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).

## Examples

- The easing of travel restrictions made it easier to visit family.
- Economists predicted that the easing of interest rates would encourage more people to buy homes this year.
- The gradual easing of diplomatic tensions between the two nations allowed for the reopening of trade routes that had been closed for a decade.

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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.