English Reference
verb · conjunction · noun

permitting

v. · conj. · n.
US /pɝˈmɪtɪŋ/ UK /pəmˈɪtɪŋ/ per·mit·ting

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    v.the act of allowing something to happen or giving permission.

    v.the present participle or gerund of 'permit', used to describe the act of granting permission or allowing an action.

    Simple

    The city is permitting more outdoor seating for restaurants this summer.

    In context

    By permitting the construction of the new bypass, the council effectively committed itself to a decade of infrastructure spending.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    conj.you use this to say that a plan will happen if nothing stops it, like bad weather.

    conj.used in an absolute clause to indicate that a statement is conditional upon a specific factor not being an impediment.

    Simple

    We will have a picnic in the park tomorrow, weather permitting.

    In context

    The expedition aims to reach the summit by Tuesday, conditions permitting, though the forecast suggests a storm is approaching.

    Usage

    Usually follows the noun it modifies, as in 'weather permitting'.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced TechnicalFormal

    n.the official process of giving or getting a permit.

    n.the formal or administrative process of granting permits or official authorization.

    Simple

    The permitting for the new factory took over six months to complete.

    In context

    Delays in the permitting phase have significantly increased the total cost of the renewable energy project.

Some cities even help pay for them by offering incentives, such as tax credits, stormwater fee reductions or sped-up permitting, to encourage developers to install green roofs.

Phys.org· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated