becoming

American  

[bih-kuhm-ing] / bɪˈkʌm ɪŋ /

adjective

1. that suits or gives a pleasing effect or attractive appearance, as to a person or thing.

   a becoming dress; a becoming hairdo.

   Synonyms:

   comely

2. suitable; appropriate; proper.

   a becoming sentiment.

   Synonyms:

   fitting, seemly, congruous, decorous, right, apt, fit, meet

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noun

1. any process of change.

2. Aristotelianism. any change involving realization of potentialities, as a movement from the lower level of potentiality to the higher level of actuality.

becoming British  

/ bɪˈkʌmɪŋ /

adjective

1. suitable; appropriate

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noun

1. any process of change

2. (in the philosophy of Aristotle) any change from the lower level of potentiality to the higher level of actuality

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• well-becoming
  adjective
• becomingness
  noun
• becomingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of becoming

First recorded in 1555–65; become + -ing ¹, -ing ²

Explanation

Something that's becoming is charming, or looks good. It's a compliment — or a sales tactic — if a salesperson gushes, "That dress is so becoming on you!" Clothing that's becoming is well-suited to the person wearing it, flattering him and making him look great. You can also use the adjective to mean "appropriate," as when a stern kindergarten teacher scolds, "That behavior is not becoming, boys." In the 13th century, something becoming was "fitting," and by the 1560s it also meant "looking good." The opposite of becoming is unbecoming.

Example Sentences

“With the advent of BookTok, it allows you to have so much social chatter around these authors. They’re becoming new rock stars, in a way,” he says.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

Howletts said the youngsters were becoming "increasingly bold and playful" as they explore their surroundings.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

Bonus tip: You can build credit by becoming an authorized user on someone else’s card.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

The goal is to prevent or slow the progression of conditions that may ultimately lead to heart attacks and strokes, which are becoming more common in younger adults.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

Father continues to carry the Torah wrapped in my shawl, but now the weight is becoming too much for him.

From "Across So Many Seas" by Ruth Behar