English Reference
verb · noun · adjective

facing

v. · n. · adj.
US /ˈfeɪsɪŋ/ UK /fˈeɪsɪŋ/ fac·ing UK spelling facings

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.looking in a certain direction or being opposite something.

    v.the present participle of 'face', indicating spatial orientation toward a specific direction or object.

    Simple

    We chose a hotel room facing the ocean so we could watch the sunrise.

    In context

    The apartment features a large balcony facing the park, providing a rare sense of tranquility in the heart of the city.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    v.dealing with a difficult situation or problem.

    v.the present participle of 'face', used to describe the act of confronting or being forced to deal with a challenge.

    Simple

    The company is facing many financial problems this year.

    In context

    Facing an unprecedented budget deficit, the local council was forced to make difficult decisions regarding public services.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.an outer layer of stone or brick put on a wall to make it look better.

    n.a layer of material applied to the surface of a wall or structure for decorative or protective purposes.

    Simple

    The workers are applying a new stone facing to the front of the library.

    In context

    The architect specified a granite facing for the ground floor to ensure the building's exterior remained durable against heavy foot traffic.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical

    n.a piece of fabric sewn onto the edge of a garment to finish it or make it stronger.

    n.a piece of fabric used to finish the raw edges of a garment, such as at the neckline or armhole, usually turned to the inside.

    Simple

    The tailor used a silk facing for the collar of the jacket.

    In context

    The pattern requires a contrasting facing on the cuffs to provide a subtle flash of colour when the sleeves are rolled up.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Archaic Military

    n.the colourful parts of a military jacket, like the collar and cuffs.

    n.the trimmings of a different colour on the collar, cuffs, and lapels of a military uniform, historically used to identify different regiments.

    Simple

    The soldiers wore red coats with yellow facings on their sleeves.

    In context

    The historical museum displays several nineteenth-century infantry tunics, each distinguished by the unique colour of its facings.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.turned or positioned toward a specific direction.

    adj.positioned or oriented so as to face a particular direction; often used in compound adjectives.

    Simple

    The south-facing garden gets a lot of sunlight during the day.

    In context

    The developer prioritised east-facing windows in the design to maximise the amount of natural morning light in the living areas.

Usage facing serious · facing a new · facing charges

The paper's headline contrasts the 24 million customers now facing bigger bills with the companies who continue to lose 1.2bn litres in leaks every day.

BBC News· 14 Aug 2026

Drought and record-low water levels have deepened fears of an energy crisis across Europe , which is facing a new summer heatwave.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated