noun

planning

PLAN-ing

Planning (noun) means the process of thinking out in advance what needs to be done, in what order, and with what resources. Example: “A weekend of careful planning saved us weeks of work later.”

noun

The process of thinking out in advance what needs to be done, in what order, and with what resources.

"A weekend of careful planning saved us weeks of work later."

"Poor planning is the main reason projects run over budget."

chiefly British The official control of how land and buildings may be developed, and the permission system that goes with it.

"The extension was refused planning permission."

"She works for the council's planning department."

verb

Present participle of plan: deciding on and arranging the details of something in advance.

"They are planning a trip to Japan for the spring."

How to use planning

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWorking out ahead of time what you are going to do and how.

When to use it

Neutral and extremely common. In Britain, "planning" on its own often means the land-use permission system.

Memory tip

Scheduling is only about when things happen; planning covers what, how and with what as well.

Easily confused with

plotting → scheduling →

Common pairings

forward planning strategic planning planning permission financial planning planning ahead

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A weekend of careful _____ saved us weeks of work later.

Synonyms

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preparation organisation forethought scheduling strategising zoning

Antonyms

improvisation

Related words

system club training practice constitution formation programming establishment

Rhymes for planning

fanning banning canning tanning panning Manning scanning spanning Channing

See all rhymes for planning →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between planning and strategy?

A strategy is the overall approach you choose for reaching a goal — the direction. Planning is the detailed work of turning that direction into specific steps, dates and resources. Strategy decides where to go; planning works out how to get there.

What does "planning permission" mean?

In the UK, planning permission is formal approval from the local council to build something new or significantly change an existing building. Without it, work can be ordered to stop or be undone. The American equivalent is usually handled through zoning and building permits.

What is the meaning of planning?

"planning" (noun) means the process of thinking out in advance what needs to be done, in what order, and with what resources.

What is another word for planning?

Other words for "planning" include preparation, organisation, forethought, scheduling, strategising, zoning.

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