# lending

/ˈɫɛndɪŋ/ (US) · /lˈɛndɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lending
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. financial credit

noun · CEFR B2

the act of a bank or person letting someone borrow money.

For teachers: the provision of funds by a financial institution or individual with the expectation of repayment, usually with interest.

- The bank is increasing its lending to small businesses this year.
- Strict lending criteria have made it difficult for first-time buyers to secure a mortgage in the current economic climate.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun in business contexts like 'lending rates' or 'bank lending'.

### 2. letting someone use an item

noun · CEFR B2

the act of letting someone use something you own for a short time.

For teachers: the act of allowing the temporary use of a physical object or resource.

- The library's lending policy allows you to keep books for three weeks.
- The museum's lending programme facilitates the exchange of rare artefacts between international galleries for temporary exhibitions.

## Examples

- The bank is increasing its lending to small businesses.
- Strict lending criteria make it difficult for first-time buyers to secure a mortgage in the current economy.
- Economists warn that a sudden contraction in commercial lending could stifle industrial growth and lead to a broader market recession.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.