English Reference
Noun

uncovering

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ənˈkəvɝɪŋ/ UK /ʌnkˈʌvəɹɪŋ/ un·cov·er·ing

n.the act of finding or showing something that was hidden or secret. It often refers to discovering new information or physical objects buried underground.

n.the act of removing a covering or revealing something previously concealed or unknown. Often used in the context of investigative journalism or archaeology.


SIMPLE

The uncovering of the hidden map changed everything.

CONTEXTUAL

The uncovering of the ancient ruins provided historians with new evidence about the city's original layout.

COMPLEX

The investigative team's systematic uncovering of the financial scandal led to a complete overhaul of the company's internal auditing procedures.

Usage

Functions as a gerund-noun; uncountable when referring to the general process and countable when referring to a specific instance of discovery.

What excites Gribble most is uncovering how information is passed from one generation to the next.

Phys.org· 18 Aug 2026

Scientists have created a global “treasure map” for rare earth elements by uncovering where the strange volcanic rocks that contain them are most likely to form.

ScienceDaily· 26 May 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated