Word
narrowing
Phoneticsnar·row·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈnɛɹoʊɪŋ/
UK/nˈæɹəʊɪŋ/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the process of becoming smaller in width or range. It describes when a space gets tighter or when a list of choices becomes shorter.
n. the process or result of becoming less wide or extensive. Refers to physical constriction or the reduction of options and scope.
Examples
“The narrowing of the road caused a traffic jam.”
“A narrowing of the gap between the two political candidates made the final election results impossible to predict.”
“The surgeon addressed the narrowing of the artery to restore proper blood flow, preventing further complications for the patient's cardiovascular health.”
Examples
simple
“The narrowing of the road caused a traffic jam.”
contextual
“A narrowing of the gap between the two political candidates made the final election results impossible to predict.”
complex
“The surgeon addressed the narrowing of the artery to restore proper blood flow, preventing further complications for the patient's cardiovascular health.”
Usage
Often used with 'of' to describe the subject being restricted (e.g., 'a narrowing of focus').
Real-World Examples
“Australia’s 2018 results were the nation’s worst performance to date, due to narrowing gaps between its average results and the OECD average, particularly for mathematics.” “Ceferin, who revealed the pair had not been in contact since the FFE scandal broke, believes the Fifa president’s path to survival is narrowing.” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/narrowing