caring

American  

[kair-ing] / ˈkɛər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. feeling or showing care for, concern about, or attentiveness to other people's needs; compassionate; thoughtful.

   I often speak of our desire to build a smart and caring nation that nurtures its citizens.

   He's such a caring person and a great friend to me.

2. relating to the task of identifying and tending to the needs of others, especially those who cannot look after themselves.

   The study showed that in this country, women are responsible for the bulk of unpaid domestic and caring work.

   Empathy is important in caring professions such as nursing and social work, but avoiding burnout is also essential.

---

noun

1. the act or practice of showing concern for, displaying attentiveness to, or tending to the needs of others.

   In these stories, we can see what caring, compassion, and altruism look like distilled to their purest forms.

   During this nursing course, you will study caring, communication, health promotion, and infection prevention.

caring British  

/ ˈkɛərɪŋ /

adjective

1. feeling or showing care and compassion

   a caring attitude

2. of or relating to professional social or medical care

   nursing is a caring job

---

noun

1. the practice or profession of providing social or medical care

Other Word Forms

• caringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of caring

First recorded in 1550–60; see care ( def. ), -ing ¹ ( def. ), -ing ² ( def. )

Explanation

Commonly referred to as that "warm fuzzy feeling," caring is the kindness or love you have towards another individual. You can also use caring (as an adjective) to describe a person who acts in this warm and fuzzy way. There's a reason for the saying "caring is sharing." You and your best buddy might exhibit caring, or affection, by sharing secrets, hugs, and the contents of your lunch boxes. Caring can also be an adjective. Caring nurses, parents, and teachers are great "caregivers" because they dole out warm fuzziness all day long. Well, at least sometimes.

Example Sentences

Investors worry way too much about quarterly earnings, but there might be something even worse—not caring about them enough.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026

“Lorne” frames Michaels as a caring but stoic presence, as tender as he is esoteric.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

There is no cure, and the financial costs of caring for elders with dementia is enormous and rising as the population ages.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 18, 2026

"I'm caring and compassionate. If I'd punched anyone, I'd be sacked."

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

She smiles, and it seems like a genuinely caring smile.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

Related Words

• accessible
• advantageous
• applicable
• conducive
• constructive
• convenient
• cooperative
• crucial
• essential
• favorable
• friendly
• important
• invaluable
• practical
• productive
• profitable
• significant
• suitable
• supportive
• sympathetic