Word
exceeding
Phoneticsex·ceed·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ɪkˈsidɪŋ/
UK/ɛksˈiːdɪŋ/
Definitions
01going past a limit
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. going beyond a set limit, number, or amount.
v. the present participle of 'exceed', describing the act of surpassing a specific threshold, quantity, or expectation.
“The driver was stopped for exceeding the speed limit on the highway.”
“The company reported quarterly earnings exceeding even the most optimistic forecasts, leading to a sharp rise in share price.”
Usage
Often used in formal reports or legal contexts regarding limits.
Synonyms
02the state of being over a limit
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act or state of being more than what is allowed or expected.
n. the condition of being in excess or the act of surpassing a boundary.
“Any exceeding of the budget must be approved by the manager.”
“The environmental agency monitors any exceeding of the permitted carbon emission levels by local factories.”
Usage
Usually functions as a gerund acting as a noun phrase subject or object.
03extraordinary
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
adj. very great or unusual in size or quality.
adj. exceptional, extraordinary, or prodigious in degree or extent.
“The traveler spoke of the exceeding beauty of the hidden valley.”
“He possessed an exceeding grace that charmed all who encountered him in the royal court.”
Teaching tip
This adjectival use is rare in modern speech; students will mostly encounter it in 19th-century literature or religious texts.
Synonyms
04extremely
C2 · Proficiency Archaic · Literary
adv. to a very high degree; very.
adv. used as an intensifier meaning 'exceedingly' or 'extremely'.
“The king was exceeding glad to hear the news of the victory.”
“The task proved exceeding difficult for the young knight, testing his resolve to the absolute limit.”
Teaching tip
Modern English speakers almost exclusively use 'exceedingly' instead of 'exceeding' for this adverbial function.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Back in 2016, the air-quality monitor in the playground showed that levels of nitrogen dioxide in the air were exceeding legal limits.” “Waits at baggage claim counters are exceeding five hours to locate suitcases, in the best-case scenario.” Etymology
From exceed + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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