going

American  

[goh-ing] / ˈgoʊ ɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of leaving or departing; departure.

   a safe going and quick return.

2. the condition of surfaces, as those of roads, for walking or driving.

   After the heavy rain, the going was bad.

3. progress; advancement.

   With such slow going, the work is behind schedule.

4. Usually goings. behavior; conduct; deportment.

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adjective

1. moving or working, as machinery.

2. active, alive, or existing.

3. continuing to operate or do business, especially in a successful manner.

   a going company.

4. current; prevalent; usual.

   What is the going price of good farmland in this area?

5. leaving; departing.

idioms

1. going away, by a wide margin, especially as established in the late stages of a contest.

   The champion won the bout going away.

2. get going, to begin; get started.

3. going on,

   1. nearly; almost.

      It's going on four o'clock.

   2. happening.

      What's going on here?

   3. continuing; lasting.

      That party has been going on all night.

going British  

/ ˈɡəʊɪŋ /

noun

1. a departure or farewell

2. the condition of a surface such as a road or field with regard to walking, riding, etc

   muddy going

3. informal speed, progress, etc

   we made good going on the trip

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adjective

1. thriving (esp in the phrase a going concern )

2. current or accepted, as from past negotiations or commercial operation

   the going rate for electricians

   the going value of the firm

3. (postpositive) available

   the best going

4. a statement by an auctioneer that the bidding has finished

Etymology

Origin of going

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; go ¹, -ing ¹, -ing ²

Example Sentences

“I remember going around and just watching my shadow, because you never know who is behind you.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

"So going into this, I thought we had to keep that authenticity," she continues.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Wilson Greatbatch saved millions of lives—without ever going to medical school.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

What’s going on with the obsession with reviving archaic occupations, like learning from artisans fixing old shoes?

From Slate • Apr. 4, 2026

“I can already see that he’s going to fit in so well with you.”

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam