existing
ihg-ZIHS-tihng
Existing (adjective) means Currently in existence; present now. Example: “The new policy will replace all existing regulations.”
adjective
1
Currently in existence; present now.
"In his favour, Beeching declared that he supported carrying on with the existing modernisation projects, but that the rest of the business needed root and branch reform."
— Howard Johnston, Was Marples the real railway wrecker? (2023)
"The new policy will replace all existing regulations."
"We can add new shelves without replacing the existing furniture."
"Please check the existing files before you create a new one."
How to use existing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAlready there, right now, as opposed to something new or planned.
Common pairings
existing customers
existing law
existing conditions
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The new policy will replace all _____ regulations.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for existing
See all rhymes for existing →Frequently asked questions
What does “existing” mean?
The word “existing” means currently in existence; present now. In plain terms, already there, right now, as opposed to something new or planned.
How do you pronounce “existing”?
“Existing” is pronounced ihg-ZIHS-tihng (/ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “existing” in a sentence?
Here is “existing” used in a sentence: “The new policy will replace all existing regulations.”
What part of speech is “existing”?
“Existing” is an adjective.
Is “existing” a common word?
“Existing” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between existing and existent?
Both mean present in reality, but existing is far more common and natural in everyday use, as in 'existing customers'. Existent is rarer and more formal or philosophical. In most writing, existing is the better choice; existent tends to appear only in academic or technical contexts.
What is the difference between existing and current?
Existing means something is present in reality right now: it exists. Current emphasises that something belongs to the present moment as opposed to the past or future. They often overlap, so 'existing rules' and 'current rules' can mean the same. But current stresses timing, while existing stresses presence.
What is an example of 'existing' in a sentence?
You might say 'we will upgrade the existing system rather than build a new one', or 'existing members get a discount'. It typically describes something already in place before a change or addition. Common pairings include existing customers, existing conditions, existing law, and existing buildings.
What is the opposite of existing?
The opposite depends on context. When existing means 'already in place', its opposite is new, proposed, or planned, as in a new system versus an existing one. When it means 'present in reality', the opposite is nonexistent, imaginary, or hypothetical. So the antonym shifts with the sense you intend.
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