Word
going
Phoneticsgo·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡoʊɪn/
UK/ɡˈəʊɪŋ/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the speed or difficulty of a task, or the condition of the ground for walking or driving. You use it to describe how easy or hard it is to make progress.
n. the condition of the ground for travel, or the rate of progress in an activity. Often used in the context of horse racing or hiking to describe surface conditions.
Examples
“The going is slow because the path is very muddy.”
“We made good going on the first day of the hike while the weather remained clear and dry.”
“The heavy rain overnight has made the going soft on the racecourse, which may favor the older horses accustomed to more difficult terrain.”
Examples
simple
“The going is slow because the path is very muddy.”
contextual
“We made good going on the first day of the hike while the weather remained clear and dry.”
complex
“The heavy rain overnight has made the going soft on the racecourse, which may favor the older horses accustomed to more difficult terrain.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “going” in context.
Usage
Commonly used in the phrases 'heavy going', 'tough going', or 'good going' to describe progress.
Real-World Examples
“Off the back of an excellent World Cup for Spain, he is going to be very popular heading in to gameweek one.” “I remember people saying to me, ‘OK, well this is really going to affect your career’.” “Nobody knows what's going on in Vladimir Putin's head.” “A: Yes, extra fees may be added for rides at night, for going to or leaving from the airport, for taking suitcases and during public holidays.” Idioms
01. coming and going
02. going away
03. going rate
04. got it going on
05. have it going on
06. heavy going
08. tough going
09. what's going on
Grammar
- 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
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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