Word
wrecking
Phoneticswreck·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɹɛkɪŋ/
UK/ɹˈɛkɪŋ/
Definitions
01the act of destroying
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the process of destroying or badly damaging something.
n. the action or process of causing a wreck or total destruction.
“The wrecking of the old hotel took several weeks to complete.”
“The systematic wrecking of the historic district caused an outcry among local preservationists who had hoped to save the architecture.”
Usage
Often used as a gerund to describe the physical process of tearing down structures.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02destroying something
B1 · Intermediate
v. the action of damaging or destroying something right now.
v. the present participle of 'wreck', indicating the ongoing action of destruction or ruin.
“The storm is wrecking the small boats left in the harbour.”
“By ignoring the safety warnings, the company is effectively wrecking its own reputation within the industry.”
Usage
Used in continuous tenses to show an ongoing process.
Synonyms
03taking from shipwrecks
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Law Archaic · Literary
n. the old practice of taking valuable things from ships that crashed near the shore.
n. the act of recovering or plundering valuables from a shipwreck near the coast.
“In the old stories, the villagers survived through wrecking during the winter months.”
“The coastal community's history was deeply tied to wrecking, a practice that was eventually suppressed by the introduction of the coastguard.”
Usage
Usually refers to historical or illegal activities involving shipwrecks.
Teaching tip
This sense is archaic; learners should only expect to see it in historical novels or legal history texts.
Synonyms
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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