doing
6 synonyms for doing, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An action or deed, especially one someone is held responsible for.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use doing
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
his own doing
nothing to do with my doing
Etymology
The "-ing" form of "do," used as a noun.
Full origin of doing →Frequently asked questions
What does “doing” mean?
The word “doing” means an action or deed, especially one someone is held responsible for. In plain terms, something that has been done, especially when someone is to blame or credit for it.
How do you pronounce “doing”?
“Doing” is pronounced DOO-ihng (/ˈduːɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “doing” in a sentence?
Here is “doing” used in a sentence: “The mess in the kitchen was clearly his doing.”
What part of speech is “doing”?
“Doing” is a noun.
Is “doing” a common word?
“Doing” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What does 'your doing' mean?
If something is 'your doing', it means you are the one who caused or brought it about, and are therefore responsible for it. It often carries a note of blame — 'this mess is your doing' — but can also credit someone, as in 'the recovery was largely her doing'.
What is the difference between a 'doing' and a 'deed'?
Both refer to something a person does, but the emphasis differs. A 'deed' highlights the act itself, often a notable or deliberate one, as in 'a good deed'. A 'doing' stresses who is responsible for a result, which is why it so often appears as 'his doing' or 'their doing'.
What is an example of 'doing' as a noun?
You might say 'the broken vase was entirely the cat's doing' or 'the team's success was all his doing'. In both, 'doing' names the action while pointing firmly at who caused it. The plural 'doings' can also mean someone's activities, as in 'the doings of the royal family'.
