Word
waking
Phoneticswak·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈweɪkɪŋ/
UK/wˈeɪkɪŋ/
Definitions
01during wakefulness
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. used to describe time when you are awake and not sleeping.
adj. pertaining to or occurring during the state of being awake and conscious.
“He spends every waking hour thinking about his new business idea.”
“The patient remained in a state of constant anxiety during his waking moments, though he appeared peaceful while sedated.”
Antonyms
02becoming awake
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Literary
n. the moment or act of waking up from sleep.
n. the act of emerging from a state of sleep or unconsciousness.
“Her waking was slow and quiet as the sun filled the room.”
“The sudden waking caused by the alarm left him feeling disoriented and sluggish for the remainder of the morning.”
Antonyms
Confusables
Awake describes a state of consciousness, while waking describes the transition out of sleep or the time spent conscious.
RememberAwake is the state; waking is the change.
Real-World Examples
“Unfortunately, Stella can’t yet cope with sleeping through the night at someone else’s place, and every time they try she must be collected by her parents after waking up frightened in the night.” “He claims the small scar on her face predated their marriage, and that he never heard her complain of waking up in a pool of blood.” Word family
NOUN
- 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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