English Reference
adjective

ensuing

adj.
US /ˈɛnsuɪŋ/ UK /ɛnsjˈuːɪŋ/ en·su·ing

  1. 01 C1 Advanced AcademicFormal

    happening after an event, often because that event caused it.

    occurring as a direct consequence or in the period immediately following a specific event.

    Simple

    The argument was small, but the ensuing silence lasted for hours.

    In context

    The sudden collapse of the bank triggered a panic, and in the ensuing chaos, many investors lost their life savings.

    Usage

    Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

    Teacher's tip

    This word is much more common in writing than in casual speech; in daily conversation, people usually just say 'the next' or 'what happened after'.

The ensuing outcry led the master to resign .

The Guardian· 13 Aug 2026

Over the ensuing decade, the plans continued to elicit debate and controversy , pitting supporters of the commission’s vision against members of Congress, railroad interests and real estate developers.

The Conversation· 7 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated