going

American  

[goh-ing] / ˈgoʊ ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of leaving or departing; departure.

   a safe going and quick return.

2. the condition of surfaces, as those of roads, for walking or driving.

   After the heavy rain, the going was bad.

3. progress; advancement.

   With such slow going, the work is behind schedule.

4. Usually goings. behavior; conduct; deportment.

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adjective

1. moving or working, as machinery.

2. active, alive, or existing.

3. continuing to operate or do business, especially in a successful manner.

   a going company.

4. current; prevalent; usual.

   What is the going price of good farmland in this area?

5. leaving; departing.

idioms

1. going away, by a wide margin, especially as established in the late stages of a contest.

   The champion won the bout going away.

2. get going, to begin; get started.

3. going on,

   1. nearly; almost.

      It's going on four o'clock.

   2. happening.

      What's going on here?

   3. continuing; lasting.

      That party has been going on all night.

going British  

/ ˈɡəʊɪŋ /

noun

1. a departure or farewell

2. the condition of a surface such as a road or field with regard to walking, riding, etc

   muddy going

3. informal speed, progress, etc

   we made good going on the trip

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adjective

1. thriving (esp in the phrase a going concern )

2. current or accepted, as from past negotiations or commercial operation

   the going rate for electricians

   the going value of the firm

3. (postpositive) available

   the best going

4. a statement by an auctioneer that the bidding has finished

Etymology

Origin of going

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; see go ¹, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

“Overbuild risk isn’t going away,” and that risk is generally reflected in hyperscaler bond spreads, said Jordan Chalfin, a senior analyst at research firm CreditSights.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

“We’re going to let him do what he does best,” Shula said, “and we all know exactly what he does best.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

“Earnings growth, not multiple expansion, is the likely index driver going forward,” he continues.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

Nicola, a poisons information specialist, had received her paddleboard for her 40th birthday just weeks earlier and had been excited about going on the trip run by Lloyd's company, Salty Dog Co Ltd.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

She says, “I’m gonna call Nicole to have her come look after the shop until I get back. You need to get going before school starts.”

From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold