English Reference
Noun

hoarding

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US /ˈhɔɹdɪŋ/ UK /hˈɔːdɪŋ/ hoard·ing UK spelling hoardings Architecture Psychology

n.the habit of collecting and keeping too many things, even if they are not useful or valuable. It often makes a person's living space very messy and difficult to use.

n.the excessive acquisition of and inability to discard large quantities of objects, regardless of their actual value. Often associated with psychological distress or a compulsive need to save items.


SIMPLE

His hoarding became a problem when he could no longer use his kitchen.

CONTEXTUAL

The social worker noted that the client's hoarding had created significant safety hazards throughout the apartment.

COMPLEX

Psychologists distinguish between simple clutter and clinical hoarding by assessing whether the accumulation of possessions prevents the functional use of living areas or causes significant personal impairment.

Usage

Commonly functions as a gerund noun derived from the verb 'hoard'.

His deputy, Louise Haigh, said it marked an end to “the days of Westminster hoarding power” and would be the biggest transition of power and resources in a generation away from Whitehall.

The Guardian· 21 Aug 2026

The days of Westminster hoarding power are over.

The Guardian· 21 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

From hoard (“structure”) + -ing.

Etymology 2

From hoard + -ing.

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

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated