Word
sporting
Phoneticssport·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈspɔɹtɪŋ/
UK/spˈɔːtɪŋ/
Definitions
01related to sports
B1 · Intermediate Sports
adj. relating to sports or used for sports.
adj. pertaining to or used in sports and athletic activities.
“The city is hosting several major sporting events this summer.”
“The local council invested heavily in sporting facilities, hoping to encourage more teenagers to participate in organised athletics.”
Synonyms
02fair and honest
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. being fair, generous, and honest when playing a game or taking a risk.
adj. exhibiting sportsmanship; fair, generous, and willing to take a risk in a competitive context.
“It was a sporting gesture to let the other team practice on our field.”
“The captain's decision to admit the ball had touched his hand was a sporting act that earned him respect from both sets of fans.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03wearing or displaying
C1 · Advanced Literary · Humorous
v. wearing something or showing a feature in a proud or noticeable way.
v. the present participle of 'sport', meaning to wear or display something prominently.
“He arrived at the party sporting a bright red bowtie.”
“By the second week of the expedition, most of the men were sporting thick beards and weathered complexions.”
Usage
This sense is the present participle of the verb 'sport'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
04playing sports
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Sports
n. the activity of playing sports.
n. the act of engaging in or practicing sports.
“The school encourages sporting as a way to stay healthy.”
“The club provides ample opportunities for sporting, ranging from casual weekend matches to professional league training.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sporting” in context.
Verb
01. show sporting behavior
“The young players were encouraged to show sporting behavior even when they lost.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
02. major sporting event
“The city is preparing to host a major sporting event next summer.”
adj + noun + noun
03. sporting achievement
“Winning the gold medal was her greatest sporting achievement.”
adj + noun
04. sporting chance
“If we start now, we have a sporting chance of finishing the project on time.”
adj + noun
Noun
05. sporting facilities
“The university has invested millions in new sporting facilities for its students.”
adj + noun
06. sporting gesture
“He allowed his opponent to retake the serve in a wonderful sporting gesture.”
adj + noun
07. sporting hero
“Many children look up to him as a sporting hero because of his fair play.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Businesses that rely on foot traffic receive fewer customers, and outdoor events like festivals, races or sporting events might be canceled due to air quality concerns.” “He appeared dazed as he received medical treatment and was helped off the pitch, with Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, moving to play down concerns soon after the game.” “Palace are still missing the calming influence and talent-spotting skills of Dougie Freedman, the former sporting director who surprisingly left for Saudi Arabia last March.” Etymology
By surface analysis, sport + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- 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
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper IntermediateOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/sporting