English Reference

Word

figuring

Phoneticsfig·ur·ing

US/ˈfɪɡjɝɪŋ/

UK/fˈɪɡəɹɪŋ/

Definitions

01calculating or thinking

B2

v. the act of calculating numbers or trying to solve a problem in your head.

v. the process of calculating numerical values or reasoning through a complex situation.

“After some quick figuring, he realised he didn't have enough money for the car.”

“By his figuring, the project would require at least three more months of intensive development to reach the testing phase.”

02design or pattern

C2

n. a pattern or design on a surface, like on fabric or wood.

n. the pattern, marking, or decorative arrangement on a material, particularly the grain in wood or a design on textiles.

“The table was expensive because of the beautiful figuring in the oak wood.”

“The luthier selected the maple for the violin's back specifically for its tight, consistent figuring, which would enhance the instrument's aesthetic appeal.”

Technical

03appearing or being part of

C1

v. being a noticeable part of something or playing a role in it.

v. appearing or playing a significant role within a particular context or narrative.

“Environmental issues are figuring more prominently in the news these days.”

“The recent economic downturn is figuring heavily in the board's decision to postpone the planned expansion into overseas markets.”

Academic

Real-World Examples

“The third is now beginning: figuring out how to pay for the system without making it less useful.”
BBC News · 16 Aug 2026
“It also applies to figuring out how human users will see and interact with what the models generate.”
Ars Technica · 13 Jul 2026

Word family

figureNounfiguringVerb

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

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English Reference