ENGLISH
REFERENCE

judging

v. · n. · adj.
US //ˈdʒədʒɪŋ// UK //dʒˈʌdʒɪŋ// judg·ing
  1. 1 forming an opinion (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    forming an opinion about someone or something, often based on how they look or act.

    the process of forming an evaluation or opinion, often used in the continuous aspect to describe ongoing assessment.

    Example

    You shouldn't be so quick to start judging people before you even know their names.

    Example

    Judging by the dark clouds gathering on the horizon, the hikers decided it would be prudent to seek shelter before the storm broke.
  2. 2 the act of deciding a winner (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the official process of deciding the winner in a competition or contest.

    the formal act of adjudication in a competitive context, such as a sporting event or artistic contest.

    Example

    The judging for the bake-off will begin once all the cakes have cooled down.

    Example

    The judging of the architectural competition took three days, as the panel struggled to reach a consensus on the most sustainable design.
  3. 3 critical or judgmental (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    showing that you have a negative opinion of someone's behavior.

    displaying a critical or moralising attitude toward others; often synonymous with 'judgmental'.

    Example

    I felt like she was giving me a judging look because of my messy hair.

    Example

    He tried to ignore the judging glances from his colleagues after he admitted he hadn't read the mandatory briefing materials.

Last updated June 19, 2026