English Reference

Word

exciting

Phoneticsex·cit·ing, stress on the second syllable

US/ɪkˈsaɪtɪŋ/

UK/ɛksˈaɪtɪŋ/

Definitions

01causing enthusiasm

A1 · Beginner

adj. making you feel very happy, interested, or enthusiastic.

adj. causing great enthusiasm, eagerness, or interest.

“The kids were so happy because they had some exciting news to share.”

“The discovery of a well-preserved shipwreck provided an exciting opportunity for marine archaeologists to study eighteenth-century trade routes.”

Usage

Usually placed before a noun or after a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.

Pitfall

I am very exciting about the trip.

I am very excited about the trip.

Use 'exciting' for the thing that causes the feeling (the trip) and 'excited' for the person who has the feeling (you).

Teaching tip

This is a classic '-ing' vs '-ed' adjective pair. Remind students that 'exciting' describes the source of the emotion.

Synonyms

thrillingexhilaratingstimulating

Antonyms

boringdulluninteresting

02sexually stimulating

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. causing sexual interest or feelings.

adj. arousing sexual desire or interest.

“The couple found the romantic atmosphere of the city very exciting.”

“The director used subtle lighting and music to create an exciting and intimate mood between the two leads.”

Teaching tip

While common, this sense is more adult-oriented; in general conversation, the word usually refers to fun or interest.

Synonyms

arousingprovocative

03the process of arousal

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Science Technical

n. the act or process of making something active or full of energy.

n. the process of achieving a state of excitation or increased energy, often in a physical or biological context.

“The exciting of the atoms caused them to glow with a bright light.”

“The rapid exciting of the nerve endings resulted in an immediate reflex action from the patient.”

Usage

Used as a gerund (a noun formed from a verb).

Teaching tip

This noun use is rare outside of scientific or highly formal academic writing.

Synonyms

activationstimulationexcitation

Antonyms

calmingsuppression

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “exciting” in context.

01. exciting to see 02. exciting new 03. exciting part

Confusables

exciting vs excited

Excited is the internal feeling a person has, while exciting is the external quality that causes that feeling.

Remember-ed = I feel; -ing = It is.

This entry

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.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL 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: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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