English Reference
verb · noun

leaking

v. · n.
US /ˈɫikɪŋ/ UK /lˈiːkɪŋ/ leak·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.letting a liquid or gas escape through a hole or crack.

    v.the process of a fluid or gas escaping from a container or conduit through an unintended opening.

    Simple

    The kitchen ceiling is leaking because of a broken pipe upstairs.

    In context

    Engineers identified a leaking valve in the cooling system, which had been causing a gradual drop in pressure over several weeks.

    Usage

    Often used in the continuous form to describe an ongoing problem.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.giving secret information to the public or the media.

    v.the unauthorised disclosure of confidential or sensitive information to the public or press.

    Simple

    Someone is leaking the company's private plans to the newspapers.

    In context

    The administration launched an internal investigation to determine who was leaking classified documents to the international media.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the act of something escaping through a hole.

    n.the occurrence or instance of a substance or information escaping from its intended containment.

    Simple

    The constant leaking of the tap kept me awake all night.

    In context

    The sudden leaking of the chemical tank forced an immediate evacuation of the surrounding industrial park.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated