proceeding

[pruh-see-ding]

noun

1. a particular action or course or manner of action.

2. proceedings, a series of activities or events; happenings.

3. the act of a person or thing that proceeds.

   Our proceeding down the mountain was hindered by mud slides.

4. proceedings, a record of the doings or transactions of a fraternal, academic, etc., society.

5. Law.,  proceedings,

   1. the instituting or carrying on of an action at law.

   2. a legal step or measure.

      to institute proceedings against a person.

proceeding

/ prəˈsiːdɪŋ /

noun

1. an act or course of action

2. 1. the institution of a legal action

   2. any step taken in a legal action

3. (plural) the minutes of the meetings of a club, society, etc

4. (plural) legal action; litigation

5. (plural) the events of an occasion, meeting, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of proceeding¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; proceed, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

In the notice, the Care Inspectorate said failure to demonstrate compliance with any one of the improvements within the required timescale could result in it proceeding to make a proposal to cancel the home's registration.

From BBC

“I find it interesting that you want order … in this proceeding now,” Bondi said.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Comey is set to appear in court on 9 October to be arraigned on charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding.

From BBC

Gray participated in a cover-up of illegal behavior that became the subject of an impeachment proceeding.

From Salon

“It’s important to fund our justice system, because without having a lawyer, you can’t have a trial, you can’t have a proceeding,” Ortega said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• action 
• course of action www.thesaurus.com
• exercise 
• experiment 
• incident 
• measure 
• operation 
• procedure 
• process 
• transaction 

When To Use

What are other ways to say proceeding?

The noun proceeding refers to a particular course or manner of action. The plural proceedings refers to a series of activities or events, or to a record of the doings or transactions of a social club or academic society. Do you know when to use proceedings instead of procedure or process? Find out on Thesaurus.com.