Word
gloating
Phoneticsgloat·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɫoʊtɪŋ/
UK/ɡlˈəʊtɪŋ/
Definition
adj. showing smug happiness about your own win or about someone else failing. You use it when someone keeps showing off in a way that feels unkind.
adj. smug or self-satisfied delight in one's own success or another person's misfortune, expressed openly in a way others find unpleasant.
Examples
“His gloating after the win annoys everyone.”
“After beating her brother at chess, she cannot hide her gloating and keeps replaying her final move.”
“The losers left quietly while the winners' open gloating filled the room, turning a fair contest into an awkward display of pride.”
Examples
simple
“His gloating after the win annoys everyone.”
contextual
“After beating her brother at chess, she cannot hide her gloating and keeps replaying her final move.”
complex
“The losers left quietly while the winners' open gloating filled the room, turning a fair contest into an awkward display of pride.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “gloating” in context.
Verb
01. gloating about failure
“Her gloating about their failure made the whole office uncomfortable.”
adj + prep + noun
02. gloating over result
“The press criticised his gloating over the result of the debate.”
adj + prep + noun
03. gloating over win
“His gloating over the win annoyed even his own teammates.”
adj + prep + noun
04. look gloating
“She tried not to look gloating when her rival made a mistake.”
verb + adj
05. seem gloating
“His apology seemed gloating rather than sincere to most listeners.”
verb + adj
Adjective
06. openly gloating
“After winning the match, he was openly gloating in front of the losing team.”
adv + adj
07. smugly gloating
“She sat there smugly gloating after getting the highest score in class.”
adv + adj
Noun
08. gloating expression
“The photo showed a clear gloating expression on his face.”
adj + noun
09. gloating message
“She sent a gloating message to the group chat after the vote.”
adj + noun
10. gloating smile
“He could not hide that gloating smile after hearing the news.”
adj + noun
11. gloating tone
“I hated the gloating tone in his voice during the meeting.”
adj + noun
12. send a gloating message
“He sent a gloating message to his rivals right after the match.”
Related words
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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