winning

American  

[win-ing] / ˈwɪn ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that wins.

   Antonyms:

   losing

2. Usually winnings something that is won, especially money.

3. Mining.

   1. any opening by which coal is being or has been extracted.

   2. a bed of coal ready for mining.

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adjective

1. that wins; successful or victorious, as in a contest.

   the winning team.

   Antonyms:

   losing

2. charming; engaging; pleasing.

   a winning child; a winning smile.

   Synonyms:

   winsome, attractive

   Antonyms:

   repulsive

winning British  

/ ˈwɪnɪŋ /

adjective

1. (of a person, character, etc) charming, engaging, or attractive

   winning ways

   a winning smile

2. gaining victory

   the winning stroke

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noun

1. 1. a shaft or seam of coal

   2. the extraction of coal or ore from the ground

2. (plural) money, prizes, or valuables won, esp in gambling

Other Word Forms

• winningness
  noun
• unwinning
  adjective
• winningly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of winning

1250–1300; Middle English (noun); see win ¹, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Winning an eighth would mean tying Cloris Leachman and Julia Louis-Dreyfus for most Emmys won by a female performer.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2026

Together with Griffiths and Johnson she set up an online course called Winning Parents, aimed at helping parents understand how they can support their children before, during and after matches.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2026

Winning a match or two would be deeply impressive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 22, 2026

"Winning the WSL was big for the club but it was one thing being able to win the title, and then just a couple of weeks later to win another title," said Jeglertz.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

"I don't think it's going to work out. Winning . . . won't help in my case," says Peeta.

From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

Related Words

• leading
• successful
• victorious