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

Going from zero EVs to one EV doesn’t signal a big shift for Ferrari.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

Going to the farmers market makes me feel ready for the week.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2026

“These countries have gotten to very high levels of renewable power with limited storage so far. Going forward we are seeing more storage adoption around the world,” Molchanov added.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

Fender, known for albums including People Watching and Seventeen Going Under, was praised by the Academy for his "sharp social commentary and emotionally honest songwriting".

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Going home after practice, they waved good-bye to their coach as they slid their spikes on the sidewalk, astonished at the fire that sprang from their feet.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy