English Reference
adjective · verb

inspiring

adj. · v.
US /ˌɪnˈspaɪɝɪŋ/ UK /ɪnspˈaɪəɹɪŋ/ in·spir·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.making you feel enthusiastic and eager to do something great.

    adj.providing motivation or creative stimulus; having the quality of encouraging others to achieve or create.

    Simple

    The teacher gave an inspiring speech that made the students want to work harder.

    In context

    The CEO's inspiring vision for the company's future convinced the investors to provide the necessary capital despite the economic downturn.

    Pitfall
    I am very inspiring by his story. I am very inspired by his story.

    Use 'inspiring' for the thing that gives the feeling (the story) and 'inspired' for the person who has the feeling (me).

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.the action of filling someone with a feeling or a creative idea.

    v.the present participle of 'inspire', used to describe the ongoing act of motivating or eliciting a specific emotion in others.

    Simple

    She is currently inspiring a whole new generation of young female scientists.

    In context

    By sharing her personal journey of overcoming adversity, she is inspiring thousands of people to pursue their dreams regardless of their background.

    Usage

    As a verb, it often takes a direct object representing the person or group being influenced.

He would never dream of saying so himself, but Thomas is an American hero and the nation’s most inspiring man.

Toronto Sun· 29 Aug 2026

But he’s still speaking on YouTube, still being reprinted and still provoking and inspiring a fresh generation of writers.

The Guardian· 10 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated