English Reference
noun · adjective

standing

n. · adj.
US /ˈstændɪŋ/ UK /stˈændɪŋ/ stand·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.your rank or reputation in a group, society, or profession.

    n.a person's relative social, professional, or financial status.

    Simple

    He is a doctor of high standing in the local community.

    In context

    The scandal severely damaged his standing among his peers, making it nearly impossible for him to secure future funding for his research.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the length of time that something has existed or continued.

    n.the period of time during which something has been in existence or effect.

    Simple

    The two families had a friendship of long standing.

    In context

    Given the dispute's long standing, the mediator suggested that a simple apology would no longer be sufficient to resolve the underlying tension.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate American English Sport

    n.the position of a team or player in a league table.

    n.the relative position of a competitor or team within a league or tournament hierarchy.

    Simple

    After their latest win, the team moved up to third place in the standings.

    In context

    The final league standings will determine which teams qualify for the international playoffs scheduled for next spring.

    Usage

    Often used in the plural form 'standings' in American English.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced TechnicalFormal Law

    n.the legal right to bring a case to a court of law.

    n.the ability of a party to demonstrate to the court sufficient connection to and harm from the law or action challenged.

    Simple

    The judge ruled that the group did not have standing to sue the company.

    In context

    The appellate court dismissed the case on the grounds that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing, as they could not prove direct personal injury.

    locus standi
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.something that is permanent, fixed, or stays in place for a long time.

    adj.remaining in force or status; not subject to change or cancellation under normal circumstances.

    Simple

    I have a standing invitation to visit my aunt whenever I am in town.

    In context

    The committee has a standing rule that all members must disclose potential conflicts of interest before the start of every session.

  6. 06 B1 Intermediate

    adj.being in an upright or vertical position; not sitting or lying down.

    adj.maintained in an erect or upright position; not moving or flowing in certain contexts.

    Simple

    The crowd gave the performer a standing ovation at the end of the play.

    In context

    The architect specified standing seams for the metal roof to ensure better water runoff during the heavy monsoon season.

    seatedrecumbent

Usage standing orders

Completed a year later, Beverly Hills Housewife (1966/7) shows a beautiful woman standing outside a beautiful house.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026

The child was standing in their chair as the 6 August Porter Airlines flight taxied towards the runway, the airline said.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Very common
Updated