Word
speeding
Phoneticsspeed·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈspidɪŋ/
UK/spˈiːdɪŋ/
Definitions
01driving too fast
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Law
n. the act of driving a car or other vehicle faster than the law allows.
n. the offence of driving a motor vehicle faster than the legal speed limit. Uncountable in this legal sense.
“He had to pay a large fine after he was caught speeding on the motorway.”
“The local council installed several new cameras to discourage speeding in residential areas where children often play near the road.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun or as the gerund form of the verb.
Synonyms
02moving very fast
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. moving at a very high speed.
adj. moving with great rapidity; often used to describe a vehicle or object in motion.
“The speeding train blurred as it passed the small station.”
“Witnesses described a speeding motorcycle weaving through heavy traffic just moments before the collision occurred.”
Antonyms
03moving quickly
B1 · Intermediate
v. moving or travelling very fast.
v. the present participle of 'speed', indicating rapid movement or progress.
“We saw several cyclists speeding down the hill during the race.”
“The project is speeding toward completion thanks to the extra funding provided by the board last month.”
04drug influence
C1 · Advanced Medicine Slang · Informal
adj. feeling very excited or energetic because of a drug called speed.
adj. under the influence of amphetamines. Highly informal and potentially offensive in professional contexts.
“He looked like he was speeding and couldn't stop talking all night.”
“The medical staff noted that the patient appeared to be speeding upon arrival, exhibiting dilated pupils and extreme agitation.”
Teaching tip
This sense is specific to drug culture; learners should use it with caution as it is very informal.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From speed + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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