English Reference
adjective · verb

owing

adj. · v.
US /ˈoʊɪŋ/ UK /ˈəʊɪŋ/ ow·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    adj.money that is still to be paid.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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'.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Formal

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

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

    Simple

    The match was cancelled owing to heavy rain.

    In context

    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 ofdue to
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated