adj
Common
designing
Designing (adj) means scheming or plotting, usually for selfish gain. Example: “The designing manager flattered the boss in order to get promoted.”
adj
1
Scheming or plotting, usually for selfish gain.
"The designing manager flattered the boss in order to get promoted."
"Be careful of designing relatives who suddenly take an interest in your savings."
"She warned her son about designing people who only wanted his money."
noun
1
The process or work of creating a design.
"Designing a logo took her three days of sketches and revisions."
"I love designing gardens because every space needs a different solution."
"He got into designing after studying architecture."
How to use designing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs an adjective, sly or manipulative; otherwise, the process of creating designs.
When to use it
The "scheming" sense is somewhat old-fashioned and mostly appears in literary or formal writing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- designings
- Comparative
- more designing
- Superlative
- most designing
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The _____ manager flattered the boss in order to get promoted.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for designing
See all rhymes for designing →Frequently asked questions
What does “designing” mean?
The word “designing” means scheming or plotting, usually for selfish gain. In plain terms, as an adjective, sly or manipulative; otherwise, the process of creating designs.
How do you use “designing” in a sentence?
Here is “designing” used in a sentence: “She warned her son about designing people who only wanted his money.”
What part of speech is “designing”?
Depending on how it is used, “designing” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “designing” a common word?
“Designing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “designing” have?
“Designing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: scheming or plotting, usually for selfish gain.
What is the difference between "designing" as an adjective and "designing" as a verb?
As an adjective, "designing" means scheming or crafty, as in "a designing rival," and it carries a negative sense. As the -ing form of the verb "design," it neutrally describes the act of creating a design, as in "she is designing a logo."
Does "designing" always have a negative meaning?
No. "Designing" is negative only when used as an adjective meaning scheming or manipulative, as in "a designing person." When it refers to the work of creating something, such as "designing a house," it is completely neutral.
What is the difference between "designing" and "cunning"?
Both can describe someone who plots for selfish gain, but "designing" suggests calculated scheming hidden behind a respectable surface, while "cunning" emphasizes cleverness and skill at deception. As an adjective, "designing" is also more old-fashioned and literary.
What words commonly follow "designing"?
In its neutral sense, "designing" is usually followed by the thing being created, as in "designing websites," "designing clothes," or "designing a system." As a critical adjective it typically precedes a person, as in "a designing woman" or "a designing schemer."
