# planning

/ˈpɫænɪŋ/ (US) · /plˈænɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/planning
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. making a plan

noun · CEFR B1

the act of deciding how you will do something in the future.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. urban development

noun · CEFR B2

the control of how land is used and where new buildings are built.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. official permission

noun · CEFR C1 · British English · Informal

official permission from a local government to build or change a building.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Good planning makes the whole trip much easier.
- The city council spent months on urban planning to improve the flow of traffic in the downtown area.
- Strategic planning requires a thorough analysis of current resources and a realistic assessment of potential obstacles that might arise during the execution phase.

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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.