# pioneering

/ˌpaɪəˈnɪɹɪŋ/ (US) · /paɪənˈiəɹɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pioneering
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. innovative and first

adjective · CEFR B2

using new methods or doing something that has never been done before.

For teachers: involving accomplishments or activities that are unprecedented; developing or using new methods or techniques.

- The hospital is famous for its pioneering work in heart surgery.
- Her pioneering research into renewable energy sources laid the groundwork for the sustainable technologies we rely on today.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it describes.

### 2. the act of being a pioneer

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

the activity of being the first to do something or explore a new area.

For teachers: the activity or process of opening up new areas of thought, research, or physical territory.

- The pioneering of new trade routes was dangerous but profitable.
- The rapid pioneering of digital communication in the late twentieth century fundamentally altered the global economic landscape.

Usage: Uncountable in this sense.

### 3. scouting skill

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a skill in scouting where you build things using wooden poles and rope.

For teachers: a scoutcraft skill involving the construction of structures such as bridges or towers using staves and knots.

- The scouts practiced their pioneering by building a bridge across the stream.
- The troop demonstrated their proficiency in pioneering by erecting a functional observation tower using only timber and hemp rope.

Usage: Uncountable; specific to the context of scouting or outdoor survival training.

## Examples

- She is a pioneering scientist in her field.
- The pioneering engineers built the first bridge across the wide river.
- Her pioneering work in renewable energy has inspired a new generation of researchers to pursue sustainable solutions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.