Showing Results for "proceeding"

See Also:

• present participle of proceed.

proceeding

American  

[pruh-see-ding] / prəˈsi dɪŋ /

noun

1. a particular action or course or manner of action.

2. proceedings, a series of activities or events; happenings.

3. the act of a person or thing that proceeds.

   Our proceeding down the mountain was hindered by mud slides.

4. proceedings, a record of the doings or transactions of a fraternal, academic, etc., society.

5. Law. proceedings,

   1. the instituting or carrying on of an action at law.

   2. a legal step or measure.

      to institute proceedings against a person.

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proceeding British  

/ prəˈsiːdɪŋ /

noun

1. an act or course of action

2. 1. the institution of a legal action

   2. any step taken in a legal action

3. (plural) the minutes of the meetings of a club, society, etc

4. (plural) legal action; litigation

5. (plural) the events of an occasion, meeting, etc

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Usage

What are other ways to say proceeding?

The noun proceeding refers to a particular course or manner of action. The plural proceedings refers to a series of activities or events, or to a record of the doings or transactions of a social club or academic society. Do you know when to use proceedings instead of procedure or process? Find out on Thesaurus.com. 

Etymology

Origin of proceeding

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; see origin at proceed, -ing ¹

Explanation

The noun proceeding (often pluralized as proceedings) is used in legal settings to show something is happening, or moving forward: "During the legal proceedings the judge declared him mentally unbalanced." Most of the time, the noun proceeding is used in law to show that a sequence of actions have taken place, leading up to judgment day in court. If you move forward with legal proceedings, you might start by filing a lawsuit or a claim against someone. Outside of the law, the noun is also used to show the steps taken, that there is involvement with a process or venture, or that progress is being made: "He took the necessary proceedings to make sure everything was okay."

Example Sentences

“Final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026

The board said it has accepted the application but paused the merger-review proceeding, including an environmental review, and will later establish an appropriate schedule for the remainder of the proceeding.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

"It's a very solemn proceeding and it emphasises the significance and the weight of responsibility that is carried by the person that holds the office of first minister," he told BBC Scotland News.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

The Adani letter, which noted that the final judgement of the US court is still awaited, stressed that the "company is not a party to this proceeding, and no charges have been brought against it".

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

She seemed, indeed, rather bored by the whole proceeding, remaining curled up in her corner, staring dreamily out through the window whilst the men searched her luggage in the compartment next door.

From "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie

Related Words

• action
• course of action
• exercise
• experiment
• incident
• measure
• operation
• procedure
• process
• transaction