# fueling

/ˈfjuɫɪŋ/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fueling
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to provide energy or power to something so it can work. You can also use it to describe making a feeling or situation stronger.

For teachers: supplying a system with energy or combustible material; metaphorically, providing the stimulus or incentive for a process or emotion to increase. Often used in the progressive form to describe ongoing economic or social trends.

## Examples

- The company is fueling growth by investing in new technology.
- Rising demand for electric vehicles is fueling a massive increase in lithium mining operations globally.
- The politician's rhetoric was accused of fueling public resentment, effectively turning a localized grievance into a national debate over economic inequality and social justice.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The gas is fueling to the car." but "The gas is fueling the car." — Fueling is a transitive verb and should be followed directly by an object without the preposition 'to'.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. Both 'fueling' (US) and 'fuelling' (UK) are accepted spellings.

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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.