# encountering

/ɛnˈkaʊnɝɪŋ/ (US) · /ɛnkˈaʊntəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/encountering
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

meeting someone or finding something by chance, especially when it is unexpected or difficult. You use this when you face a problem or see a person you did not plan to see.

For teachers: meeting or finding someone or something unexpectedly. Often describes facing opposition, difficulties, or specific obstacles during a process.

## Examples

- We are encountering some technical problems with the new software.
- While hiking through the dense forest, the team began encountering rare species of birds they had never seen before.
- The research team is currently encountering significant resistance from local authorities, which may delay the publication of their findings by several months.

## Pitfalls

- Not "encountering with a problem" but "encountering a problem" — Encounter is a transitive verb and does not require the preposition 'with'.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. It is the present participle form of 'encounter'.

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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.