approaching
Approaching (adj) means coming closer in time or place; happening soon. Example: “Shops were busy with people preparing for the approaching holidays.”
How to Use Approaching
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGetting nearer, whether in time (an approaching deadline) or space (an approaching car).
Word Forms
approachings plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
Shops were busy with people preparing for the _____ holidays.
Related Words
Rhymes for approaching
See all rhymes for approaching →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “approaching” mean?
The word “approaching” means coming closer in time or place; happening soon. In plain terms, getting nearer, whether in time (an approaching deadline) or space (an approaching car).
How do you pronounce “approaching”?
“Approaching” is pronounced uh-PROHT-shihng (/əˈpɹoʊt͡ʃɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “approaching” in a sentence?
Here is “approaching” used in a sentence: “Shops were busy with people preparing for the approaching holidays.”
What part of speech is “approaching”?
Depending on how it is used, “approaching” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “approaching” a common word?
“Approaching” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “approaching” have?
“Approaching” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: coming closer in time or place; happening soon.
What is the difference between approaching and upcoming?
Both approaching and upcoming describe something happening soon, but approaching emphasises steady movement closer in time or place, while upcoming simply marks an event as scheduled ahead. You might say a storm is approaching, but a concert is upcoming.
Which preposition follows approaching?
When used as a verb, approaching usually takes a direct object with no preposition, as in "approaching the city," though "approaching to" appears in older or formal usage. In everyday English, say "approaching the deadline" rather than "approaching to the deadline."
When should you use approaching instead of nearing?
Approaching and nearing both mean coming closer, and they are often interchangeable, but approaching can sound slightly more formal and can also imply arrival is imminent. Nearing tends to stress the reduction of remaining distance or time, as in "nearing completion."