English Reference
Adjective

glaring

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈɡɫɛɹɪŋ/ UK /ɡlˈeəɹɪŋ/ glar·ing

adj.very easy to see or notice, usually because it is a bad mistake or a problem. It can also describe a look that is very angry.

adj.highly obvious or conspicuous, typically in a negative sense such as an error or omission. Also describes a fixed, fierce, or angry stare.


SIMPLE

There is a glaring mistake in the report.

CONTEXTUAL

The auditor pointed out several glaring inconsistencies in the financial records that the team had somehow missed.

COMPLEX

Despite the author's meticulous research, the book suffered from a glaring omission regarding the social impact of the industrial revolution on the local working class.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun to emphasize the obviousness of a negative quality.

Beyond the lack of strength is a glaring lack of depth.

The Guardian· 31 Aug 2026

He has received them, though the lack of a top-level striker is glaring.

The Guardian· 21 Aug 2026

By surface analysis, glare + -ing.

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

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated