verb
Uncommon
suing
Suing (verb) means taking legal action against someone, usually to claim money or force them to do (or stop doing) something. Example: “The homeowners are suing the contractor over the unfinished roof.”
verb
1
Taking legal action against someone, usually to claim money or force them to do (or stop doing) something.
"The homeowners are suing the contractor over the unfinished roof."
"She threatened suing the newspaper for printing false claims about her."
How to use suing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGoing to court to make a legal claim against someone.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "suit" as clothing — same root word historically, but completely different meaning today.
Common pairings
suing for damages
suing someone over
worth suing
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Word forms
- Plural
- suings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The homeowners are _____ the contractor over the unfinished roof.
Etymology
From Old French suir/sivre, "to follow, pursue," the same root that gives us "pursue" and "ensue" — originally just meant chasing after someone, legally or otherwise.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for suing
See all rhymes for suing →Frequently asked questions
What does “suing” mean?
The word “suing” means taking legal action against someone, usually to claim money or force them to do (or stop doing) something. In plain terms, going to court to make a legal claim against someone.
How do you use “suing” in a sentence?
Here is “suing” used in a sentence: “The homeowners are suing the contractor over the unfinished roof.”
What part of speech is “suing”?
“Suing” is a verb.
Where does the word “suing” come from?
The word “suing” comes from Old French. From Old French suir/sivre, "to follow, pursue," the same root that gives us "pursue" and "ensue" — originally just meant chasing after someone, legally or otherwise.
Is “suing” a common word?
“Suing” is an uncommon word in modern English.
