lifting

The word “lifting” means the action of raising something, or the process of doing so. In plain terms, the act of raising something, working out with weights, or a cosmetic facelift.

“Lifting” is pronounced LIHF-tihng (/ˈlɪf.tɪŋ/ in IPA).

Here is “lifting” used in a sentence: “Proper lifting technique protects your back.”

“Lifting” is a noun.

“Lifting” is a fairly common word in modern English.

“Lifting” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the action of raising something, or the process of doing so.

Lifting usually emphasizes the physical effort of picking something up, especially off a surface, while raising suggests moving something to a higher position in a more controlled or gradual way. Raising is also preferred for abstract things, such as raising prices, questions, or children, where lifting would sound wrong.

In gym and fitness contexts, lifting is an informal shorthand for weightlifting or weight training, so someone who is 'into lifting' exercises with weights. Outside that context, lifting simply means the action of raising something.

In cosmetic surgery, lifting is short for face lifting: procedures that tighten sagging facial skin to give a firmer appearance. The shortened form is also common in skincare marketing, in phrases like 'lifting effect.'