noun
Common
testing
TEHS-tihng
Testing (noun) means the process of checking whether something works correctly or meets a standard. Example: “The drug is currently in clinical testing.”
noun
1
The process of checking whether something works correctly or meets a standard.
"The drug is currently in clinical testing."
"Software testing found several bugs before the app was released."
"Regular testing of the smoke alarms keeps the building safe."
adj
1
Difficult or demanding in a way that pushes someone to their limits.
"It had been a testing week at work."
"Climbing the mountain in heavy rain was a testing experience for the whole group."
"Looking after three young children on your own is a testing job."
How to use testing
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe act of trying something out to check it works, or (as an adjective) something that really challenges you.
Common pairings
product testing
a testing time
testing phase
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Word forms
- Plural
- testings
- Comparative
- more testing
- Superlative
- most testing
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The drug is currently in clinical _____.
Related words
Rhymes for testing
resting
nesting
investing
arresting
harvesting
suggesting
protesting
contesting
interesting
uninteresting
See all rhymes for testing →
Frequently asked questions
What does “testing” mean?
The word “testing” means the process of checking whether something works correctly or meets a standard. In plain terms, the act of trying something out to check it works, or (as an adjective) something that really challenges you.
How do you pronounce “testing”?
“Testing” is pronounced TEHS-tihng (/ˈtɛs.tɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “testing” in a sentence?
Here is “testing” used in a sentence: “The drug is currently in clinical testing.”
What part of speech is “testing”?
Depending on how it is used, “testing” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “testing” a common word?
“Testing” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “testing” have?
“Testing” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the process of checking whether something works correctly or meets a standard.
What are the types of testing?
Testing takes many forms depending on the field. In software, common types include unit, integration, performance, and user-acceptance testing. In manufacturing, products undergo safety and quality testing. Education uses standardized testing to measure learning, and medicine relies on diagnostic testing. All share the same goal: checking that something works or meets a standard.
What is the difference between testing and debugging?
Testing is the process of checking whether something works correctly and finding where it fails. Debugging is what comes next: locating the cause of a fault and fixing it. In short, testing reveals that a problem exists, while debugging removes it. Testing detects the fault, and debugging repairs it.
Why is testing important?
Testing catches faults before they reach users, saving money, time, and reputation. It confirms that a product, system, or process meets its intended standard and is safe to use. Whether for software, vehicles, or medicine, testing builds confidence, reduces risk, and helps prevent failures that could be costly or even dangerous.
What is an example of testing?
Running a new app to check that every button works before release is testing. Other examples include a factory sampling products for defects, a lab analysing a blood sample, or a school setting an exam. Each case checks whether something performs correctly or reaches a required standard before it is relied upon.
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