Word
sweeping
Phoneticssweep·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈswipɪŋ/
UK/swˈiːpɪŋ/
Definitions
01wide-ranging or general
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. affecting many things or people at once, often in a way that is too general.
adj. extensive in scope or range; often used to describe changes, reforms, or statements that apply to a wide variety of cases.
“The new manager made sweeping changes to the way the office operates.”
“The government introduced sweeping reforms to the healthcare system, affecting everything from local clinics to major research hospitals.”
02curved or smooth motion
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. moving in a long, smooth curve.
adj. characterised by a long, continuous, and often curved motion or shape.
“The house has a sweeping view of the valley below.”
“The architect designed a sweeping staircase that serves as the central focal point of the building's grand entrance.”
03cleaning with a broom
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of cleaning a floor using a broom.
n. the action or process of cleaning a surface by brushing away dirt or debris.
“The morning sweeping of the shop floor took about ten minutes.”
“Regular sweeping of the warehouse floor is essential to prevent the accumulation of hazardous industrial dust.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “sweeping” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Liverpool begin life after Mohamed Salah and with a new manager in Andoni Iraola when they travel to Newcastle, whose summer has been defined by sweeping change.” “They took her away on a trolley.”
‘It feels as if someone is sweeping a knife around inside you,’ said one patient.” Etymology
By surface analysis, sweep + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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