English Reference
Adjective

probing

adj.
C1 Advanced US /ˈpɹoʊbɪŋ/ UK /pɹˈəʊbɪŋ/ prob·ing UK spelling probings

adj.asking deep or difficult questions to find out the truth. You use this to describe someone who is trying to discover hidden information.

adj.characterised by a desire to investigate or explore thoroughly. Often describes questions or looks that seek to uncover hidden details or truths.


SIMPLE

The journalist asked several probing questions during the interview.

CONTEXTUAL

The committee launched a probing investigation into the company's finances to find where the money went.

COMPLEX

Her probing gaze seemed to look right through his excuses, making it impossible for him to maintain the lie any longer.

Usage

Often used to modify nouns like 'questions', 'look', 'gaze', or 'investigation'.

Police are now probing how the thieves were able to enter the museum without triggering its alarms and who may have been responsible.

BBC News· 16 Aug 2026

Scientists probing life’s deepest origins have uncovered evidence that the first free-living cells may have emerged not once, but twice.

ScienceDaily· 12 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated