noun
offing
O-fihng
noun
1
The near future, especially something expected soon. Chiefly used in the phrase "in the offing".
"With layoffs in the offing, morale at the office dropped."
2
The part of the visible sea furthest from the shore.
"A ship appeared in the offing just before dusk."
How to Use Offing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAlmost always used in "in the offing" — meaning something is likely to happen soon.
Common pairings
in the offing
Word Forms
offings plural
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With layoffs in the _____, morale at the office dropped.
Etymology
From off plus -ing; originally a nautical term for the distant sea, later extended to mean "on the horizon" in a figurative sense.