ENGLISH
REFERENCE

existing

adj. · v.
US //ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ// UK //ɛɡzˈɪstɪŋ// ex·ist·ing
  1. 1 current or present (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    describes something that is real or present right now.

    referring to something that currently exists or is in operation at the present time. Usually placed before the noun.

    Example

    The existing rules make it very difficult for new businesses to start.

    Example

    Under the existing legislation, the company is not required to disclose its carbon emissions, though new laws may soon change that.
  2. 2 living or being (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the -ing form of the verb 'exist', meaning to be real or to stay alive.

    the present participle of 'exist', used to describe the state of being real, present, or alive.

    Example

    They are existing on very little money while they look for work.

    Example

    The species is barely existing in the wild due to the rapid destruction of its natural forest habitat.

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