Word
lingering
Phoneticslin·ger·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫɪŋɡɝɪŋ/
UK/lˈɪŋɡəɹɪŋ/
Definitions
01lasting a long time
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. lasting for a long time or slow to end.
adj. remaining or persisting for a protracted period, often used to describe sensations, doubts, or physical effects.
“The lingering smell of smoke stayed in the curtains for days after the fire.”
“Despite the CEO's reassuring speech, there were lingering doubts among the shareholders regarding the company's long-term stability.”
Usage
Usually placed before the noun it describes.
Synonyms
02the act of staying
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of staying in a place longer than necessary.
n. the action of remaining in a location or state; the gerund form of the verb 'linger'.
“His lingering at the door suggested he had something more to say.”
“The unnecessary lingering of the guests after the gala had officially ended frustrated the event staff who needed to clean the hall.”
Usage
Functions as a noun; often takes a possessive or follows a preposition.
Real-World Examples
“Astronauts often return with puffy faces, stuffy noses and a feeling similar to a lingering cold.” “That’s largely because of the Covid-19 pandemic’s lingering effects.” Etymology
From linger + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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