becoming
Americanadjective
noun
-
any process of change.
-
Aristotelianism. any change involving realization of potentialities, as a movement from the lower level of potentiality to the higher level of actuality.
adjective
noun
-
any process of change
-
(in the philosophy of Aristotle) any change from the lower level of potentiality to the higher level of actuality
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of becoming
Explanation
Something that's becoming is charming, or looks good. It's a compliment — or a sales tactic — if a salesperson gushes, "That dress is so becoming on you!" Clothing that's becoming is well-suited to the person wearing it, flattering him and making him look great. You can also use the adjective to mean "appropriate," as when a stern kindergarten teacher scolds, "That behavior is not becoming, boys." In the 13th century, something becoming was "fitting," and by the 1560s it also meant "looking good." The opposite of becoming is unbecoming.
Vocabulary lists containing becoming
The Catcher in the Rye
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Murder on the Orient Express
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“Looking ahead, the rapid evolution of AI gives us added scope to deliver value to clients and make additional cost savings, while positive trends are becoming clearer across our policy and regulatory landscape,” Sewing said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
Denmark striker Kasper Hogh says Celtic are a "really good match" for him after becoming the club's record signing.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
Lisa-Kaindé: The older we grow, the more religious I’m becoming … but Naomi lives her spirituality in very different ways.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026
At the same time, CDS spreads have been widening, suggesting credit investors are becoming less comfortable with that shift.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 28, 2026
The subject has the ability to completely take on a surrounding environment, becoming practically invisible.
From "Boy 2.0" by Tracey Baptiste
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
