What does "owing" mean?

1. (unpaid debt) money that is still to be paid. 2. (owing to (because of)) used in the phrase 'owing to' to explain the reason for something.

How do you use "owing"?

Usually follows the noun it describes or comes after a linking verb like 'be'. Always followed by a noun or noun phrase; more formal than 'because of'.

owing

adj. · v.

US //ˈoʊɪŋ// UK //ˈəʊɪŋ// ow·ing

1 unpaid debt (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

money that is still to be paid.

referring to a debt or obligation that remains unpaid or outstanding.

Example

The total amount owing must be paid by the end of the month.

Example

After the final audit, the company discovered a significant sum still owing to several local suppliers.

Usage

Usually follows the noun it describes or comes after a linking verb like 'be'.
- paid
- settled
2 owing to (because of) (v.)
B1 Intermediate Formal

used in the phrase 'owing to' to explain the reason for something.

functioning as a complex preposition meaning 'because of' or 'on account of'.

Example

The match was cancelled owing to heavy rain.

Example

Owing to unforeseen circumstances regarding the venue's safety certification, the conference has been postponed until further notice.

Usage

Always followed by a noun or noun phrase; more formal than 'because of'.
- because of
- due to