assuming

American  

[uh-soo-ming] / əˈsu mɪŋ /

adjective

1. taking too much for granted; presumptuous.

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assuming British  

/ əˈsjuːmɪŋ /

adjective

1. expecting too much; presumptuous; arrogant

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conjunction

1. (often foll by that) if it is assumed or taken for granted (that)

   even assuming he understands the problem, he will never take any action

Other Word Forms

• assumingly adverb
• self-assuming adjective

Etymology

Origin of assuming

First recorded in 1595–1605; assume + -ing ²

Explanation

If someone accuses you of being assuming, he or she thinks you are arrogant or that you take too much for granted. If you take on an assuming tone when you ask for something, people are more likely to feel offended than to be generous. A person who is quiet and modest is often described approvingly as being unassuming. That person's conceited cousin, with an inflated opinion of himself and a strong sense of entitlement, is more of an assuming sort. You can also use this word as a conjunction. Assuming we leave at 9:00 a.m. and there is little traffic, we should arrive in the late afternoon.

Example Sentences

And he is assuming control of a ministry that, by many accounts, is deeply troubled.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

While this will be his first pastoral visit to Africa since assuming the leadership of the Catholic Church last year, the Pope is no stranger to the continent.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Fuel prices are likely to ease, assuming the cease-fire holds, but airlines will almost certainly keep trying to raise fares and tack on extra charges.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

Your $400,000 retirement account, assuming a 7% return, would produce about $28,000 a year before tax.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

On the bright side, assuming there was a bottom, Annabeth and Percy would probably be flattened on impact, so giant spiders were the least of their worries.

From "The House of Hades" by Rick Riordan