English Reference
noun · verb · interjection

figures

n. · v. · interj.
US /ˈfɪɡjɝz/ UK /fˈɪɡəz/ fig·ures

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.numbers that give information about a situation, especially in business or science.

    n.numerical data or statistics, often used in financial or technical reporting.

    Simple

    The latest sales figures show that the company is growing quickly.

    In context

    The government released the employment figures this morning, revealing a slight but steady decline in the jobless rate over the last quarter.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the shapes of people's bodies.

    n.the external form or shape of a human body, typically in relation to its proportions.

    Simple

    The two figures walked slowly through the thick fog.

    In context

    The artist spent years studying how to capture human figures in motion, focusing on the tension in the muscles during a sprint.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    v.to be logical or what you expected to happen, often used when something goes wrong.

    v.to be consistent with expectations or logic; frequently used in the third-person singular to express cynical acceptance.

    Simple

    It figures that it would start raining just as we arrived at the beach.

    In context

    It figures that the one day I forget my keys is the same day my roommate decides to stay out late.

    makes sensefollows
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    interj.a short phrase used to say you are not surprised that something bad happened.

    interj.a colloquial exclamation used to indicate that an unfortunate event is typical or expected.

    Simple

    The bus is late again? Figures.

    In context

    The printer jammed right before the meeting started. Figures.

Usage figures show · figures compiled · figures showing

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated