English Reference

Word

surging

Phoneticssurg·ing

US/ˈsɝdʒɪŋ/

UK/sˈɜːdʒɪŋ/

Definition

adj. moving or increasing very quickly and strongly. You use this to describe things like rising prices, crowds of people, or powerful waves.

adj. characterised by a sudden, powerful forward or upward movement. Often describes rapid increases in quantitative data or physical momentum.

Examples

“The surging crowd pushed toward the stage.”

“Economists are worried about surging energy prices as winter approaches and demand increases.”

“The surging tide eventually breached the old sea wall, flooding the lower streets of the village for the first time in decades.”

Examples

simple

“The surging crowd pushed toward the stage.”

contextual

“Economists are worried about surging energy prices as winter approaches and demand increases.”

complex

“The surging tide eventually breached the old sea wall, flooding the lower streets of the village for the first time in decades.”

Usage

Often used as a participial adjective before a noun to describe rapid growth or movement.

Real-World Examples

“Croix Bethune, seen here surging away from Gotham FC’s Esther González, left Washington Spirit and joined Kansas City Current.”
The Guardian · 5 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/surging

English Reference