Definitions
01making a plan
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of deciding how you will do something in the future.
n. the process of making arrangements or designs for a future course of action. Uncountable in its general sense.
“Good planning is the secret to a successful family holiday.”
“Strategic planning requires a thorough understanding of both current market trends and the long-term goals of the organization.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
02urban development
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the control of how land is used and where new buildings are built.
n. the professional and administrative activity of regulating the use of land and the design of the urban environment.
“The city has very strict planning laws to protect historic buildings.”
“The local council rejected the proposal on the grounds that it violated several key urban planning regulations regarding green spaces.”
Synonyms
03official permission
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Law British English · Informal
n. official permission from a local government to build or change a building.
n. a shortened form of 'planning permission', referring to the formal consent required for construction or renovation. Often used elliptically in British English.
“We want to add a new room to the house, but we haven't got planning yet.”
“The developer proceeded with the demolition before the committee had officially granted planning for the new residential complex.”
Usage
Often functions as an uncountable noun when used as a shorthand for the permission itself.
Teaching tip
This sense is very common in British real estate and home improvement contexts; learners should know it implies the legal document or consent.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “planning” in context.
Verb
01. coordinate planning
“The different departments need to coordinate planning for the new project.”
verb + noun
02. oversee planning
“A senior manager was appointed to oversee planning for the merger.”
verb + noun
Adjective
03. careful planning
“The success of the expedition was the result of months of careful planning.”
adj + noun
04. long-term planning
“Long-term planning is essential for a comfortable retirement.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. lack of planning
“The project failed due to a complete lack of planning.”
noun + prep + noun
06. planning policy
07. planning a trip
08. planning rules
09. planning the attack
10. apply for planning permission
“They have applied for planning permission to build an extension.”
11. go according to planning
“Fortunately, everything went according to planning.”
12. in the planning stages
“The new hospital is still in the planning stages.”
Word family
NOUN
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B1 · IntermediateOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/planning
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0