Word
nascent
US/ˈneɪsənt/
UK/nˈeɪsənt/
Definition
adj. starting to develop or exist. You use this to describe something that is in its very early stages but shows potential for the future.
adj. just coming into existence and beginning to display signs of future potential. Often describes abstract concepts like industries, movements, or technologies in their earliest developmental phase.
Examples
“The nascent space industry is growing very quickly.”
“Investors are pouring capital into the nascent green hydrogen market, hoping to lead the transition to renewable energy.”
“The historian argued that the nascent democratic movement was ultimately crushed by the sudden return of military rule and strict censorship.”
Examples
simple
“The nascent space industry is growing very quickly.”
contextual
“Investors are pouring capital into the nascent green hydrogen market, hoping to lead the transition to renewable energy.”
complex
“The historian argued that the nascent democratic movement was ultimately crushed by the sudden return of military rule and strict censorship.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun; often paired with abstract nouns like 'industry', 'talent', or 'democracy'.
Real-World Examples
“Lawson’s job mostly involved traveling as a consultant for Fairchild customers, but in his spare time he became a hobbyist in the nascent video game development scene.” “They may be the nascent, swaddled phase that marks the beginning of almost every supermassive black hole’s journey,” he said.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin nāscēns, nāscentis, present participle of nāscor (“I am born”). Doublet of naissant.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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