Looking up...
expanding
/ɪkˈspændɪŋ/
increasing in size or scope
The company is expanding its operations into Asia.
The business is growing by entering new markets in Asia.
general
Increasing in size, volume, or scope; growing larger.
The universe is constantly expanding.
The universe is getting larger over time.
Commonly used as a present participle of the verb 'expand' or as an adjective describing growth.
Business
formal
Extending into new markets, areas, or fields of activity.
We are expanding our client base.
We are acquiring more customers.
Frequently used in corporate contexts to describe growth strategies.
Technology
formal
Becoming more detailed or comprehensive.
The software supports expanding file formats.
The software can handle a growing variety of file types.
Used to describe capabilities that are increasing in range or complexity.
Collocations
rapidly expandinggrowing very quicklyexpanding marketa market that is growing in sizeexpanding horizonsbroadening one's knowledge or experience
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Verb vs. Adjective
Check if 'expanding' describes an action happening now (verb) or a characteristic of a noun (adjective). E.g., 'The balloon is expanding' (verb) vs. 'an expanding economy' (adjective).
Gold Rule
Context Matters
In business, 'expanding' usually refers to market reach or revenue, not physical office size, unless specified.
Word Origin
From Latin 'expandere' (to stretch out), from 'ex-' (out) + 'patere' (to lie open).
Usage Notes
Can function as a verb (present participle) or an adjective. In business, it often implies strategic growth rather than just physical size.
Word Breakdown
expand
to make larger
root-ing
present participle suffix
suffixEnglish Dictionary