judging

[ juhj-ing ]

adjective

1. rendering an authoritative decision, as in a legal case, contest, dispute, or the like:

   He received the highest praise on his cooking contest entry from the judging chefs in their feedback.

2. hearing evidence or arguments in a case in order to render a decision:

   The appeal and second appeal will last approximately one year each, depending on the judging court and the evidence.

3. evaluating, assessing, or forming a critical opinion of someone or something:

   We think all rightly judging readers will reject such an unlikely interpretation.

4. making or expressing a negative assessment of someone or something; condemning:

   I’d refrain from using judging words like "slob" and "ungracious," as those will lead to defensiveness and hurt feelings.

5. making a careful guess or estimate:

   It’s hard to reckon one’s distance from something when the judging eye is under water and the target is in the air.

noun

1. the act of rendering an authoritative decision, forming an estimate or critical opinion, or making or expressing a negative assessment of someone or something:

   The highlight of the evening was the judging of the Best in Red competition.

   I’m tired of the constant judging and critiquing by others.

Other Words From

• judg·ing·ly adverb
• un·judg·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of judging¹

First recorded in 1325–75; judg(e) ( def ) + -ing ²( def ) for the adjective senses; judg(e) ( def ) + -ing ¹( def ) for the noun sense

Example Sentences

But it would be exceptionally brave, or foolhardy, judging on the statistics alone.

From BBC

Some ordinary Lebanese attempting to escape Israeli bombing reportedly fled to the Baalbek ruins, judging that ancient sites would not be targeted by Israel and would therefore offer protection.

From BBC

It’s certainly a sensitive topic for Beijing, judging by the response to our presence in the border town, where it seems tourists are welcome - but journalists are not.

From BBC

And judging by the sentences imposed on the most culpable of the Jan. 6 ground soldiers, Trump would be looking at years in prison in this case too.

From Los Angeles Times

"Top Chef" remains a fan favorite for a host of reasons: top-notch hosting, meticulous judging, abundant expertise, and food that both looks and sounds delicious.

From Salon