ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wanting

v.
A1 Beginner US //ˈwɑnɪŋ// UK //wˈɒntɪŋ// want·ing

v. to feel that you would like to have something or do something. You use this when you have a desire for a person, object, or situation.

v. to have a desire for something or to wish to possess it. Stative in its primary sense; typically used in simple rather than continuous tenses.


SIMPLE

I am wanting a new car for my commute.

CONTEXTUAL

She is wanting to move to a bigger city where there are more job opportunities.

COMPLEX

While many people are wanting for nothing in terms of material goods, they still report a profound sense of dissatisfaction with their daily routines.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English wantyng, wantynge, wantand, equivalent to want + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English wantyng, wantynge, equivalent to want + -ing.

Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object or an infinitive phrase.

Pitfall

I am wanting a coffeeI want a coffeeAs a stative verb, it is usually used in the simple present rather than the present continuous.

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