# widening

/ˈwaɪdənɪŋ/ (US) · /wˈaɪdnɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/widening
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 2. increasing a gap

noun · CEFR B2

an increase in the difference between two things, like rich and poor people.

For teachers: the metaphorical increase in a gap, disparity, or distance between two groups, ideas, or values.

- Experts are worried about the widening of the gap between rich and poor.
- Economists observed a steady widening of the trade deficit, suggesting that domestic production was failing to keep pace with consumer demand.

### 3. becoming broader

adjective · CEFR B2

describing something that is getting wider or further apart.

For teachers: describing a state of ongoing expansion in width or scope. Usually placed before the noun it modifies.

- The river flows into a widening valley as it nears the sea.
- The widening cracks in the old stone wall indicated that the foundation was beginning to shift under the weight of the new roof.

## Examples

- The widening of the road caused traffic delays.
- Economists are concerned about the widening of the wealth gap between urban and rural populations.
- The widening of the investigation to include international subsidiaries revealed a systemic pattern of financial irregularities that had previously gone unnoticed by local auditors.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.