designing

American  

[dih-zahy-ning] / dɪˈzaɪ nɪŋ /

adjective

1. scheming; intriguing; artful; crafty.

   Synonyms:

   sly, tricky, cunning, wily

2. showing or using forethought.

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noun

1. the act or art of making designs.

designing British  

/ dɪˈzaɪnɪŋ /

adjective

1. artful and scheming; conniving; crafty

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Other Word Forms

• designingly
  adverb
• well-designing
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of designing

First recorded in 1610–20; design + -ing ², -ing ¹

Explanation

The adjective designing describes those who secretly scheme to get what they want, even if it means cheating others, like the designing group member who tricks everyone else into doing all the work for their shared project. You might incorrectly assume designing means "creative," in the sense of a fashion designer, but instead of beautiful clothing, the designing person dreams only of his or her own best interests — before anyone else's. Someone who’s designing plans ahead to make sure things go his way, even if it means lying or making other people look bad. A good synonym for designing is scheming.

Example Sentences

Adams’s process for designing his own products is decidedly analog: He uses scissors, cardboard and tape to make models.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

"With these findings, we're laying a new foundation for rationally designing tires."

From Science Daily • May 13, 2026

Several drugmakers are now working with AI partners on everything from designing drugs to boosting supply-chain productivity.

From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026

The US company Shaper makes a handheld CNC router, as well as digital solutions that allow for straightforward scanning and designing before cutting.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

Her parents are “amicably separated,” but he sends these huge checks once a month, and Twig’s mom makes a lot of money, too, designing apps that tell pretty people what clothes they should wear.

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller