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

• becomingly adverb
• becomingness noun
• well-becoming adjective

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

The early-claiming penalty she incurred by filing for her own benefits so soon after becoming eligible will carry over when the Social Security Administration calculates her spousal benefit.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

In the years after his retirement, Taylor channeled his professional juices into golf, becoming a scratch player within three and a half years.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

“The premium consumer is candidly immune or becoming more immune to the headlines and not delaying their investment in the experience economy,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said on the earnings call.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Ultimately, the paintings capture us as paintings, becoming stranger and more compelling with time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 13, 2026

Conversations where I imagined all the loved ones of the boys, berating myself and becoming paralyzed with guilt and confusion.

From "The Brightwood Code" by Monica Hesse