ENGLISH
REFERENCE

making

n.
US //ˈmeɪkɪŋ// UK //mˈeɪkɪŋ// mak·ing
  1. 1 the process of creating (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    the act or process of producing or creating something.

    the act of forming, causing, or constituting something; often used in compound nouns to describe production.

    Example

    The making of the film took over three years from start to finish.

    Example

    The documentary provides a fascinating look into the making of the album, capturing the tension between the band members during the recording sessions.

    Usage

    Often appears in the phrase 'the making of'.
  2. 2 potential for success (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the qualities or skills needed to become something great in the future.

    the essential qualities or ingredients required for the development or success of something.

    Example

    The coach said that the young player has the makings of a champion.

    Example

    The sudden increase in venture capital and local talent has all the makings of a major tech boom in the region.

    Usage

    Almost always used in the plural form 'makings' followed by 'of'.
Etymology 1

From Middle English making, from Old English macung (“making”), equivalent to make + -ing. Cognate with dated Dutch making (“making”), Old High German machunga.

Etymology 2

From make + -ing.

Word family

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