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verb Uncommon

disappearing

Disappearing (verb) means present participle of "disappear" — going out of sight or ceasing to exist. Example: “The sun was disappearing behind the hills.”

verb
1
Present participle of "disappear" — going out of sight or ceasing to exist.
"The sun was disappearing behind the hills."
"Wildlife habitats are disappearing at an alarming rate."
adj
1
Used before a noun to describe something that is gradually vanishing.
"Bees are one of many disappearing species."

How to Use Disappearing

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that is going out of view, use, or existence.

Common pairings
disappearing act disappearing ink a disappearing species

Word Forms

disappearings plural

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Test yourself on “disappearing” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

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The sun was _____ behind the hills.

Related Words

Rhymes for disappearing

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “disappearing” mean?

The word “disappearing” means present participle of "disappear" — going out of sight or ceasing to exist. In plain terms, something that is going out of view, use, or existence.

How do you use “disappearing” in a sentence?

Here is “disappearing” used in a sentence: “The sun was disappearing behind the hills.”

What part of speech is “disappearing”?

Depending on how it is used, “disappearing” can be a verb and an adjective.

Is “disappearing” a common word?

“Disappearing” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “disappearing” have?

“Disappearing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: present participle of "disappear" — going out of sight or ceasing to exist.

What is the difference between disappearing and vanishing?

Disappearing simply means going out of sight or ceasing to exist, while vanishing often carries a stronger connotation of suddenness or mystery, as in a magician's trick. Both words can describe the same process, but vanishing tends to sound more dramatic.

How is disappearing used as an adjective before a noun?

Used before a noun, disappearing describes something gradually vanishing, as in a disappearing species or a disappearing tradition. This adjective use emphasizes a slow, ongoing process rather than an instant event.

Is disappearing always used to describe physical objects?

No, disappearing can describe abstract things as well as physical objects, such as a disappearing custom, a disappearing accent, or a disappearing job market. The word applies broadly to anything that is gradually reducing in presence or prevalence.

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