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owing

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈoʊɪŋ/

KK: /ˈoʊɪŋ/

adjective
Definition

Not yet paid; something that is required to be paid or settled.


Example

I have an owing balance on my credit card that I need to pay off soon.


Conversation
Sloth A
Hey, do you remember that movie we watched last week?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was so fun! I still owe you for the tickets, right?
Sloth A
No worries, I just wanted to see if you noticed the owing balance.
Sloth B
Got it! I'll pay you back this weekend.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
due
payable
outstanding
Antonyms
paid
settled
clear
Root Explanation

Owing comes from the verb 'owe' (from Old English 'āgan', meaning to possess or own) and the suffix '-ing' (indicating a state or condition). The word 'owing' refers to the state of being in debt or having an obligation to pay or give something.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'owe' which means to possess a debt, and the '-ing' shows that it's a state of being in debt. So, 'owing' means being in the state of having a debt.

Visually Confused Words
towing
sowing
rowing
owling
mowing
bowing
wing
unowing
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