# going

/ˈɡoʊɪn/ (US) · /ɡˈəʊɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/going
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in the phrases 'heavy going', 'tough going', or 'good going' to describe progress.

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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.