Showing results for "encroaching"

• present participle of encroach.

encroaching

American  

[en-kroh-ching] / ɛnˈkroʊ tʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. advancing beyond proper, accepted, or usual limits; making gradual inroads into or onto something.

   We cleared out the encroaching weeds along the edge of the driveway and trimmed the plantain trees.

2. trespassing on the property, domain, or rights of another, especially stealthily or gradually.

   The hill forts in the British Isles were probably built by the native Britons to defend themselves against encroaching enemy tribes.

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Other Word Forms

• unencroaching
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of encroaching

encroach ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

encroaching

This 2.5-inch lizard lives exclusively in the West Texas dunes, where oil and gas production has been encroaching on its territory, the groups argued.

From Salon ● Jul. 15, 2026

Keeping the encroaching natural world at bay is a struggle in neighborhoods adjacent to Los Angeles County’s wildlands.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 26, 2026

Now, with a nod from regulators, cryptocurrency firms are encroaching on that territory, and investors in the operators’ stock are worried.

From Barron's ● Jun. 8, 2026

COLCHESTER, Vt.—The financial troubles at St. Michael’s College hit home for biology professor Declan McCabe when he noticed Buckthorn shrubs encroaching on walking trails near the house of the campus president.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 9, 2026

It warmed Meggie’s heart just to see it, but all too often it disappeared behind the tall, ugly buildings covering the narrow strip of land that lay between the water and the encroaching hills.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke

Related Words

• combative
• contentious
• destructive
• intrusive
• threatening