existing

American  

[ig-zis-ting] / ɪgˈzɪs tɪŋ /

adjective

1. already or previously in place, before being replaced, altered, or added to.

   Fundraising costs money, and recruiting new donors is more expensive than asking existing supporters to give a little more.

2. having actual being or life.

   The great ornithologist Alexander Wetmore, who died in 1978, allegedly declared that all existing species of birds had already been discovered.

3. occurring in a specified place or under specified conditions.

   Members of committees dealing with the behavior of intelligence services met to discuss the existing challenges and exchange best practices.

4. achieving only the basic needs of existence, as food and shelter.

   Forrest Bess was a marginally existing bait fisherman and artist who lived in a ramshackle cabin on the Gulf of Mexico.

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Other Word Forms

• nonexisting adjective
• unexisting adjective

Etymology

Origin of existing

exist ( def. ) + -ing ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

"We will prioritise a multi-year programme to bring existing facilities up to a safe, modern standard, with transparent national reporting on progress," said a spokesman.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

An analyst suggests minimal impact if the conflict lasts under two months, citing existing helium storage and strong company balance sheets.

From Barron's • Apr. 2, 2026

The system was tested both in laboratory fiber setups and across the University of Warsaw's existing fiber network over several kilometers.

From Science Daily • Apr. 1, 2026

In 2021 the Chicago Bears signed a purchase agreement for land at a former racetrack in nearby Arlington Heights, with the intention of razing the existing facility and building a new stadium.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Honestly, it’s pretty hard to piss Abby off, but Martin does it just by existing.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli

Related Words

• actual
• current
• extant