Word
offending
Phoneticsof·fend·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/əˈfɛndɪŋ/
UK/əfˈɛndɪŋ/
Definitions
01causing a problem
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. responsible for a problem or an unpleasant situation.
adj. identifying the specific person or thing responsible for a violation, nuisance, or error.
“The plumber finally found the offending pipe that was leaking water.”
“Once the technician removed the offending line of code, the entire software system began to function normally again.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02committing a crime
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law Formal · Technical
n. the act of breaking the law or doing something wrong.
n. the act of committing a crime or a social offence; often used in legal or sociological contexts.
“The government is trying to find ways to reduce youth offending in the city.”
“Research suggests that early intervention programmes are significantly more effective at reducing re-offending than traditional punitive measures alone.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun or as part of a compound like 're-offending'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“At the height of his offending, Jeff Ashman estimates he walked out of shops with goods worth £400 to £500 on a daily basis.” “It was the third time he had been given a prison sentence for offending that dated back to 2015.” - 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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