English Reference

Word

growing

Phoneticsgrow·ing, stress on the first syllable

US/ˈɡɹoʊɪŋ/

UK/ɡɹˈəʊɪŋ/

Definitions

01increasing

A2 · Elementary

adj. getting bigger, more important, or more common.

adj. increasing in size, quantity, or degree; often used to describe a developing trend or problem.

“There is a growing interest in healthy eating among young people.”

“The government faces growing pressure from environmental groups to implement stricter regulations on industrial emissions.”

Synonyms

increasingexpandingrising

Antonyms

shrinkingdeclining

02raising plants

B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Cooking

n. the activity of looking after plants and helping them get bigger.

n. the process or occupation of cultivating plants or crops.

“The warm weather is perfect for the growing of tomatoes.”

“The region's economy relies heavily on the growing of organic grapes for the local wine industry.”

Synonyms

cultivationfarminggardening

03increase

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Academic

n. the process of something getting larger or more developed.

n. the process of development or increase in size; often used in abstract or economic contexts.

“The rapid growing of the city has caused some traffic problems.”

“The steady growing of the national debt has become a central theme in the upcoming election debates.”

Synonyms

growthexpansion

Antonyms

reduction

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “growing” in context.

01. growing number 02. growing body 03. growing concern 04. growing evidence 05. growing numbers 06. growing interest 07. growing concerns 08. growing pressure

Word family

VERB

NOUN

ADJECTIVE

growing(A2)

This entry

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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
Frequency
Very common
Level
A2 · Elementary
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/growing
English Reference