What does "warning" mean?

1. (a statement of danger) a message or sign that tells you something bad might happen. 2. (the act of telling someone) the act of telling someone about a danger before it happens. 3. (on signs or notices) a word used on signs to tell people to be careful.

How do you use "warning"?

Often used with the verbs 'give', 'issue', or 'receive'. Commonly used in the phrase 'without warning'.

warning

n. · interj.

US //ˈwɔɹnɪŋ// UK //wˈɔːnɪŋ// warn·ing

1 a statement of danger (n.)
B1 Intermediate

a message or sign that tells you something bad might happen.

a specific statement, notice, or event that indicates a potential risk or problem.

Example

The weather service issued a flood warning for the coastal areas.

Example

Despite the repeated warnings from the engineering team, the project proceeded without the necessary safety modifications.

Usage

Often used with the verbs 'give', 'issue', or 'receive'.
2 the act of telling someone (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the act of telling someone about a danger before it happens.

the process or action of alerting someone to a future difficulty or danger.

Example

He left the job without any warning, leaving his team in a difficult spot.

Example

The system provides early warning of mechanical failure by monitoring subtle changes in vibration levels.

Usage

Commonly used in the phrase 'without warning'.
- admonition
- notification

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3 on signs or notices (interj.)
B1 Intermediate Formal

a word used on signs to tell people to be careful.

an exclamatory label used on signage or in documentation to highlight immediate hazards.

Example

Warning: High voltage. Do not touch the wires.

Example

The label marked 'Warning' was placed prominently on the container to ensure handlers were aware of the corrosive contents.
- caution
- danger

Idioms2 entries