Word
seeking
Phoneticsseek·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsikɪŋ/
UK/sˈiːkɪŋ/
Definitions
01looking for or trying to get
B1 · Intermediate
v. looking for something or trying to achieve a goal.
v. the present participle of 'seek', describing the ongoing attempt to find, obtain, or achieve something.
“The company is currently seeking a new manager for the sales department.”
“The humanitarian organisation is actively seeking donations to provide clean water and medical supplies to the affected regions.”
Usage
Often followed by a direct object representing the thing desired.
Synonyms
02the act of searching
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of searching for something, often used for deep or spiritual goals.
n. the act of searching or a quest; often used in philosophical or abstract contexts.
“His life was a constant seeking for the truth about his family history.”
“The philosopher argued that the seeking of wisdom is a lifelong journey that requires both humility and persistence.”
Usage
Frequently used as a gerund followed by 'of'.
Etymology
From seek + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/seeking