happening

[hap-uh-ning]

noun

1. something that happens; occurrence; event.

   Synonyms: case, affair, instance, episode, incident

2. an unconventional dramatic or artistically orchestrated performance, often a series of discontinuous events involving audience participation.

3. any event considered worthwhile, unusual, or interesting.

happening

/ ˈhæpənɪŋ, ˈhæpnɪŋ /

noun

1. an occurrence; event

2. an improvised or spontaneous display or performance consisting of bizarre and haphazard events

adjective

1. informal,  fashionable and up-to-the-minute

Word History and Origins

Origin of happening¹

First recorded in 1545–55; 1965–70 happening for def. 2; happen + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

She believes there is a risk of the same oversight happening in the world of AI, systems and spaces built without considering everyone.

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The growth in home prices in Scranton and Syracuse is at odds with what’s happening in the rest of the residential real-estate market.

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The UK's National Cyber Security Centre has reported a record rise in "nationally significant" cyber-attacks in the last year, with an average of four happening every week.

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The U.S has a particularly dynamic economy with high rates of job and firm creation and destruction happening at the same time.

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"The fans weren't sure what was happening and he built complete unity and trust in what he was doing."

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Related Words

• accident 
• adventure 
• circumstance 
• incident 
• milestone 
• phenomenon 
• proceeding