English Reference
verb · noun

equipping

v. · n.
US /ɪˈkwɪpɪŋ/ UK /ɪkwˈɪpɪŋ/ equip·ping

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.giving someone the physical tools or equipment they need to do a job.

    v.the act of supplying a person, group, or object with necessary physical resources or apparatus.

    Simple

    The charity is equipping the local school with new computers for the lab.

    In context

    Equipping the expedition with high-altitude gear proved more expensive than the organisers had initially projected in their budget.

    Usage

    Takes a direct object followed by the preposition 'with'.

    Pitfall
    The company is equipping the staff by new laptops. The company is equipping the staff with new laptops.

    Use the preposition 'with' to indicate the items being provided.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.giving someone the knowledge or skills they need to handle a situation.

    v.the process of preparing someone mentally or intellectually for a specific challenge or role.

    Simple

    This course is excellent for equipping students with the skills needed for work.

    In context

    The university focuses on equipping graduates with critical thinking skills that remain relevant regardless of their specific career path.

    Usage

    Often used in educational or professional development contexts.

    Teacher's tip

    Remind students that this sense is metaphorical; you are 'arming' them with knowledge.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the process of getting all the equipment ready for a project or trip.

    n.the action or process of providing equipment; functions as a gerund noun.

    Simple

    The equipping of the new hospital took several months to complete.

    In context

    The rapid equipping of the reserve forces was essential for the success of the defensive operation.

    Usage

    Used as the subject or object of a sentence to describe the process itself.

    Teacher's tip

    In most cases, students should use the noun 'equipment' for the items themselves and 'equipping' for the process.

    preparationoutfitting

The army secretary is responsible for training and equipping soldiers.

Al Jazeera· 31 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated