English Reference

Word

finding

Phoneticsfind·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈfaɪndɪŋ/

UK/fˈaɪndɪŋ/

Definitions

01research result

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Science Academic

n. a piece of information or a fact that you discover after looking into something carefully.

n. the conclusion or result of an investigation, research project, or scientific study. Often used in the plural.

“The main finding of the study was that exercise improves sleep quality.”

“The researchers published their findings in a peer-reviewed journal, highlighting a significant correlation between diet and cognitive longevity.”

Usage

Commonly used in the plural ('findings') when referring to a complete set of results.

02legal decision

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal · Technical

n. a formal decision made by a judge or a jury in a court of law.

n. a formal conclusion reached by a judicial body or regulatory agency regarding a question of fact.

“The judge made a finding of fact that the contract had been signed.”

“The jury's finding of negligence led to a substantial settlement for the plaintiff.”

Usage

Often follows the pattern 'finding of [fact/guilt/negligence]'.

03jewellery parts

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Technical

n. small parts like hooks or clips used to make or repair jewellery.

n. small functional components used in jewellery making, such as clasps, crimps, or earring wires.

“She bought silver findings to finish the necklace she was making.”

“The artisan sourced high-quality gold findings to ensure the durability of the custom-made bracelets.”

04discovering

A1 · Beginner

v. the act of looking for and seeing something.

v. the present participle and gerund form of 'find', indicating the act of discovery or location.

“Finding a parking space in the city centre is always difficult.”

“Finding the balance between professional obligations and personal well-being remains a primary challenge for modern employees.”

Antonyms

Collocations

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

Verb

01. communicate finding

“Scientists must communicate their findings clearly to the general public.”

verb + noun

02. confirm finding

“The second study helped to confirm the findings of the initial research.”

verb + noun

03. contradict finding

“These new results directly contradict the findings published last year.”

verb + noun

04. corroborate finding

“We need more data to corroborate the findings of the investigative team.”

verb + noun

05. finding new

06. finding ways

07. finding a way

08. finding suggests

09. finding the right

10. finding work

11. finding yourself

12. finding points

Real-World Examples

“But Russia’s heavy losses mean it must continue finding new soldiers at a high rate.”
The Guardian 14 Aug 2026
“Finding safe shelter also continues to be a challenge.”
UN News 13 Aug 2026
“Companies are finding ways to work around this.”
BBC News 11 Aug 2026
“A subtly beautiful picture book about finding small moments of joy and wonder.”
The Guardian 27 Feb 2026

Etymology

From Middle English fyndyng, Old English findincge; equivalent to find + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Domain

Law

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Very common
Level
B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
Updated

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English Reference