# fixing

/ˈfɪksɪŋ/ (US) · /fˈɪksɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fixing
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. construction parts

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

small items like screws, nails, or bolts used to hold things together in a building.

For teachers: hardware components such as screws, brackets, or wall plugs used to secure items during construction or installation.

- The shelf came with all the necessary fixings like screws and wall plugs.
- The contractor ordered a bulk supply of stainless steel fixings to ensure the external cladding would withstand the coastal humidity.

Usage: Usually used in the plural form 'fixings' in British English.

### 2. dishonest manipulation

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

the act of dishonestly deciding the result of a game, race, or vote before it happens.

For teachers: the illicit subversion or manipulation of a competitive process, such as an election or sporting event, to guarantee a specific outcome.

- The police investigated the fixing of the championship game after several players were seen meeting with gamblers.
- Allegations of widespread vote fixing led to an international inquiry into the legitimacy of the recent parliamentary elections.

Usage: Often appears in the compound 'match-fixing' or 'price-fixing'.

### 3. repairing or attaching

verb · CEFR B1

the action of repairing something or making it stay in one place.

For teachers: the present participle of 'fix', denoting the ongoing act of repairing, securing, or establishing something.

- He spent the whole afternoon fixing the broken fence in the backyard.
- Fixing the structural issues in the old bridge proved more expensive than the city council had originally anticipated.

### 4. preparing to do something

verb · CEFR B2 · American English · Dialect · Informal

getting ready to do something very soon.

For teachers: an auxiliary-like construction indicating immediate future intent or preparation.

- I was just fixing to call you when you walked through the door.
- The clouds were turning dark and the wind was picking up, so we were fixing to head back inside before the storm hit.

Usage: Almost exclusively used in the phrase 'fixing to' followed by an infinitive verb.

## Examples

- The shelf fell because the wall fixing was loose.
- The kitchen installation kit includes all the necessary fixings such as screws, brackets, and wall plugs.
- Standard architectural specifications require that every external fixing be made of stainless steel to prevent corrosion and ensure the long-term structural integrity of the facade.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.