facing

American  

[fey-sing] / ˈfeɪ sɪŋ /

noun

1. a covering in front, for ornament, protection, etc., as an outer layer of stone on a brick wall.

2. a lining applied to the edge of a garment for ornament or strengthening.

3. material turned outward or inward, as a cuff or hem.

4. facings, coverings of a different color applied on the collar, cuffs, or other parts of a military coat.

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facing British  

/ ˈfeɪsɪŋ /

noun

1. a piece of material used esp to conceal the seam of a garment and prevent fraying

2. (usually plural) a piece of additional cloth, esp in a different colour, on the collar, cuffs, etc, of the jacket of a military uniform, formerly used to denote the regiment

3. an outer layer or coat of material applied to the surface of a wall

4. marketing an area of retail shelf space

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Etymology

Origin of facing

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English; face + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Her control problems reappeared in the fifth, though she wasn’t the only one facing challenges.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026

Rubio has already acknowledged the challenges facing Asia's third largest economy.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

He said cyber ETFs can provide exposure to some companies facing “severe headwinds,” but are included because they are in the cybersecurity business.

From MarketWatch • May 23, 2026

Yet the strait is facing growing threats from China.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

Instead of the stocky young man he’d fought less than a moon ago, he was facing a gaunt shadow ..

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver