Word
gearing
Phoneticsgear·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɪɹɪŋ/
UK/ɡˈiəɹɪŋ/
Definitions
01mechanical gear ratio
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Technology Technical
n. the set of gears in a machine or the way they are connected to control speed and power.
n. the arrangement or ratio of a system of gears in a machine, determining the relationship between the speed of the engine and the speed of the wheels.
“The bike's low gearing makes it much easier to pedal up steep hills.”
“Engineers adjusted the final gearing of the prototype to ensure maximum fuel efficiency during long-distance highway cruising.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the ratio itself.
Synonyms
02financial leverage
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law British English · Technical
n. the relationship between how much money a company has borrowed and the value of the shares it owns.
n. the ratio of a company's loan capital (debt) to its equity capital (shareholders' funds).
“The company is worried that its high gearing makes it a risky investment.”
“The firm’s aggressive gearing strategy left it vulnerable to sudden interest rate hikes, as debt servicing costs began to consume all liquid profits.”
Teaching tip
This sense is primarily used in British English; American English speakers almost exclusively use 'leverage' for this concept.
Synonyms
03preparing or adjusting
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. the act of preparing for something or adjusting something to fit a specific need.
v. the present participle of 'gear', used to describe the process of preparing for an event or adjusting a system for a specific purpose.
“The city is gearing up for the international film festival next month.”
“By gearing their marketing strategy toward younger consumers, the brand managed to revitalise its image within a single fiscal year.”
Usage
Frequently appears in the phrasal verb 'gearing up' followed by the preposition 'for'.
Real-World Examples
“Observatory staff members are already gearing up for Pluto’s centennial in 2030.” “For now, he is gearing up for a number of live shows following the album’s arrival into the world and rehearsals are under way.” Domain
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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