borrowing

American  

[bor-oh-ing, bawr-] / ˈbɒr oʊ ɪŋ, ˈbɔr- /

noun

1. the act of one who borrows.

2. the process by which something, as a word or custom, is adopted or absorbed.

3. the result of such a process; something borrowed, as a foreign word or phrase or a custom.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• preborrowing
  noun
• nonborrowing
  adjective
• unborrowing
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of borrowing

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at borrow, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Investors expect the ECB to raise borrowing costs at the same time after inflation picked up in May to its highest level since September 2023.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

The central bank might even raise borrowing costs in 2026, which would be bad news for businesses, potential home buyers and other consumers seeking loans.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026

Several ECB officials have been laying the groundwork for an increase in borrowing costs in their public remarks.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

While a strong jobs market is usually good news for the economy, it means the Federal Reserve is less likely to cut borrowing costs anytime soon.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Nately gave them ninety dollars with a gallant flourish, after borrowing twenty dollars from Yossarian, thirty-five dollars from Dunbar and seventeen dollars from Hungry Joe.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

Related Words

• financing