becoming

American  

[bih-kuhm-ing] / bɪˈkʌm ɪŋ /

adjective

1. that suits or gives a pleasing effect or attractive appearance, as to a person or thing.

   a becoming dress; a becoming hairdo.

   Synonyms:

   comely

2. suitable; appropriate; proper.

   a becoming sentiment.

   Synonyms:

   fitting, seemly, congruous, decorous, right, apt, fit, meet

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noun

1. any process of change.

2. Aristotelianism. any change involving realization of potentialities, as a movement from the lower level of potentiality to the higher level of actuality.

becoming British  

/ bɪˈkʌmɪŋ /

adjective

1. suitable; appropriate

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noun

1. any process of change

2. (in the philosophy of Aristotle) any change from the lower level of potentiality to the higher level of actuality

Other Word Forms

• becomingly
  adverb
• becomingness
  noun
• well-becoming
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of becoming

First recorded in 1555–65; become + -ing ¹, -ing ²

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.

Example Sentences

As temperatures continue rising around the Antarctic Peninsula, more glaciers are losing their protective ice tongues and becoming tidewater glaciers, meaning their termini rest directly on the seabed.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

With Spotify, Cooper expanded her podcast’s reach and reputation, becoming a go-to platform for stars including Jane Fonda, Kamala Harris, Miley Cyrus, Offsetand Gwyneth Paltrow, who have been among high-profile “Call Her Daddy” guests.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Mikel Arteta decided to replace Havertz with Gyokeres minutes later as the Gunners held on for a nervy 1-0 win to move one win away from becoming champions.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

Product launch controversy is becoming something of a Swatch playbook.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 18, 2026

“Well, first of all, keep working at becoming the great man you’re going to become! Then she won’t have any choice but to like you!”

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo