adj
Very common
becoming
bih-KUHM-ihng
Becoming (adj) means flattering or suitable in appearance; fitting. Example: “That short haircut is very becoming on you, and it suits your face.”
adj
1
Flattering or suitable in appearance; fitting.
"That short haircut is very becoming on you, and it suits your face."
"He looked rather becoming in his new navy jacket at the wedding."
"She wore a becoming dark green dress to the interview."
2
Appropriate to one's character or position; decent.
"Shouting at the waiter was hardly becoming behaviour for a guest of honour."
"She spoke with a modesty becoming of someone who had achieved so much."
"He behaved with a dignity becoming of his office."
How to use becoming
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSuitable, flattering, or fitting — used of clothing, behavior, or manner.
When to use it
Fairly formal or old-fashioned; more common in written English than everyday speech.
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Word forms
- Plural
- becomings
- Comparative
- more becoming
- Superlative
- most becoming
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
That short haircut is very _____ on you, and it suits your face.
Etymology
From the verb "become" in its older sense of "to suit or befit."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for becoming
coming
homing
Wyoming
zooming
booming
blooming
grooming
upcoming
oncoming
incoming
welcoming
unbecoming
See all rhymes for becoming →
Frequently asked questions
What does “becoming” mean?
The word “becoming” means flattering or suitable in appearance; fitting. In plain terms, suitable, flattering, or fitting — used of clothing, behavior, or manner.
How do you pronounce “becoming”?
“Becoming” is pronounced bih-KUHM-ihng (/bɪˈkʌm.ɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “becoming” in a sentence?
Here is “becoming” used in a sentence: “She wore a becoming dark green dress to the interview.”
What is the opposite of “becoming”?
The opposite of “becoming” — its antonyms — is unbecoming.
What part of speech is “becoming”?
“Becoming” is an adjective.
Is “becoming” a common word?
“Becoming” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “becoming” have?
“Becoming” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: flattering or suitable in appearance; fitting.
What is an example of 'becoming' used as an adjective?
In this sense, becoming describes clothing or appearance that flatters the person. You might say 'that shade of blue is very becoming on her,' or call a hairstyle becoming. It suggests the item suits the wearer and enhances how they look, rather than simply being fashionable in itself.
What is the difference between 'becoming' and 'flattering'?
The two are close in meaning. Flattering is the more common, everyday word for something that makes a person look attractive. Becoming carries an extra sense of fittingness and propriety — of suiting the wearer appropriately, not just prettily. Becoming also sounds slightly more formal and old-fashioned than flattering.
Is 'becoming' formal or old-fashioned?
In the sense of flattering or suitable, becoming is somewhat formal and a little dated, more common in older or literary writing than in casual speech today. It is still widely understood, though, and can add an elegant, refined tone. Everyday alternatives include flattering, attractive, or suits you.
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