# enabling

/ɛˈneɪbəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /ɛnˈeɪblɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. making something possible

verb · CEFR B2

the act of giving someone the tools, rights, or ability to do something.

For teachers: the present participle of 'enable', describing the process of providing the means or opportunity to achieve a goal.

- The new software is enabling our team to work much faster than before.
- By providing micro-loans to local entrepreneurs, the charity is enabling sustainable economic growth within the rural community.

Usage: Often followed by an object and a 'to' infinitive.

### 2. providing ability

adjective · CEFR C1 · Academic

describing something that allows a process or activity to happen.

For teachers: functioning as an attributive adjective to describe a factor, technology, or environment that facilitates a specific outcome.

- The government passed an enabling law to help the project start quickly.
- Cloud computing serves as an enabling technology that allows small businesses to compete with global corporations on a technical level.

### 3. the act of making possible

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the process of making an action or a system work.

For teachers: the gerundial use of the word, referring to the abstract act or instance of providing capability or permission.

- The enabling of these new features required a complete system update.
- The successful enabling of the treaty depended on the cooperation of all regional stakeholders during the final negotiations.

## Examples

- The new software is enabling us to work much faster.
- By providing low-interest loans, the government is enabling small business owners to expand their operations during the recession.
- The integration of high-speed satellite internet is enabling remote communities to participate in the global economy in ways that were previously physically and logistically impossible.

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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.