# reducing

/ɹəˈdusɪŋ/ (US) · /ɹɪdjˈuːsɪŋ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 2. causing a chemical change

adjective · CEFR C1 · Technical

describes a substance that causes a specific chemical reaction by giving away electrons.

For teachers: describes a substance that acts as a reductant in a chemical reaction, typically by donating electrons to another reactant.

- In this experiment, the sugar acts as a reducing agent for the copper solution.
- The chemist identified the specific reducing agent required to facilitate the transformation of the metal ions into their elemental state.

Usage: Usually placed before the noun it modifies, such as 'reducing agent'.

### 3. cooking a liquid

verb · CEFR B2

boiling a liquid like a sauce so it becomes thicker and stronger in flavor.

For teachers: the process of thickening and intensifying the flavour of a liquid by boiling it to evaporate water.

- Reducing the sauce for ten minutes will make it much tastier.
- By reducing the balsamic vinegar over low heat, the chef created a thick glaze that complemented the roasted vegetables perfectly.

## Examples

- The company is reducing its plastic waste this year.
- By reducing the temperature of the oven, the chef ensured the delicate cake did not burn on top.
- The government is committed to reducing carbon emissions by fifty percent over the next decade through aggressive investment in renewable energy infrastructure.

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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.