Word
scolding
Phoneticsscold·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈskoʊɫdɪŋ/
UK/skˈəʊldɪŋ/
Definition
n. the act of telling someone off in a loud or angry way. It is usually a short, sharp talk to make someone behave better.
n. the act of reprimanding someone in a sharp, angry, or disapproving manner. Often implies a brief, verbal correction of behavior.
Examples
“The child received a scolding for being late.”
“After the presentation, the manager gave a scolding to the team for missing the deadline.”
“The scolding was brief but effective, serving as a clear warning that such negligence would not be tolerated in the future.”
Examples
simple
“The child received a scolding for being late.”
contextual
“After the presentation, the manager gave a scolding to the team for missing the deadline.”
complex
“The scolding was brief but effective, serving as a clear warning that such negligence would not be tolerated in the future.”
Etymology
From scold + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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