Word
retaining
Phoneticsre·tain·ing, stress on the second syllable
US/ɹiˈteɪnɪŋ/
UK/ɹɪtˈeɪnɪŋ/
Definitions
01keeping or continuing to have
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. keeping something rather than losing it or giving it away.
v. the act of continuing to possess, use, or hold something; often used in business or cognitive contexts.
“The company is focused on retaining its best employees by offering better benefits.”
“Retaining market share in such a volatile economy requires constant innovation and a deep understanding of shifting consumer preferences.”
Usage
Often used as a gerund acting as the subject or object of a sentence.
Synonyms
02holding something in place
B2 · Upper Intermediate Technical
adj. designed to hold something back or keep it in a specific position.
adj. serving to keep something in place or to restrain movement, particularly in engineering or construction.
“They built a retaining wall to stop the soil from sliding down the hill.”
“The structural integrity of the terrace depends entirely on the reinforced retaining wall at the base of the slope.”
Usage
Almost exclusively used before the noun it modifies, most commonly 'wall'.
Synonyms
03the act of keeping
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of holding onto something or keeping it.
n. the action of retaining or the state of being retained; a synonym for retention in specific formal contexts.
“The retaining of these old records is required by law.”
“The systematic retaining of historical documents ensures that future generations can study the evolution of the city's architecture.”
Teaching tip
In most modern contexts, 'retention' is the preferred noun form; 'retaining' as a noun feels more like a formal gerund.
Real-World Examples
“They say retaining a title is never easy.” “Rather than searching for similarities between Wilmer’s arrangements and Gil’s work, the beauty of Parabólico is Wilmer’s ability to reinvent and expand this music while retaining elements of its soul.” “He said retaining doctors in Northern Ireland had become an issue.” Word family
VERB
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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