English Reference
adjective · noun

remaining

adj. · n.
US /ɹiˈmeɪnɪŋ/ UK /ɹɪmˈeɪnɪŋ/ re·main·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.describing the part of something that is still there after the rest is gone.

    adj.denoting the portion of a whole that continues to exist or stay in place after other parts have been removed, used, or dealt with.

    Simple

    The remaining students in the classroom finished their work while the others went to lunch.

    In context

    The remaining funds were allocated to the restoration of the library, ensuring that the project could be completed without further fundraising.

    Usage

    Always placed before the noun it describes.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the act of staying in a place instead of leaving.

    n.the state or act of continuing to stay in a particular place or condition.

    Simple

    His remaining in the city during the storm was a brave but dangerous choice.

    In context

    The legal dispute centered on her remaining on the property after the lease had officially expired.

    Usage

    Often functions as a gerund followed by a prepositional phrase.

    Teacher's tip

    This noun sense is quite formal; in everyday English, people usually say 'staying' or 'stay'.


By surface analysis, remain + -ing.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated