What does consulting mean?
Consulting is the profession or business of providing expert advice to organizations or individuals, typically in fields such as management, strategy, technology, finance, or engineering, usually in exchange for a fee. A person engaged in this work is generally called a consultant, and firms dedicated to it range from small independent practices to global partnerships. The word also functions attributively, as in 'consulting engineer' or 'consulting physician', describing a professional who advises clients rather than holding a permanent post. The term derives ultimately from the Latin verb 'consultare', meaning to deliberate or take counsel, which also gives us 'consult' and 'consultation'. In modern usage, consulting connotes specialized knowledge, objectivity, and an outside perspective, though it sometimes attracts mild cynicism about high fees for obvious advice. It is a standard, neutral term in both British and American English, ubiquitous in the vocabulary of business and public administration.
The profession or business of providing expert professional advice to clients, especially in business, management, or technology.
"She left her banking job to start a boutique consulting practice."
Often modified by field, as in management consulting, IT consulting, or healthcare consulting.
Serving in an advisory capacity, especially as a professional engaged to give expert advice rather than employed in a permanent executive role.
"Dr. Rao serves as a consulting cardiologist at two regional hospitals."
Used attributively before another noun, as in 'consulting engineer' or 'consulting editor'.
As an abstract field of activity, 'consulting' does not normally take a plural form; one speaks of 'areas of consulting' or 'types of consulting' instead.
"The firm offers consulting across several industries."
The word traces back to Roman 'consuls' — the elected magistrates who advised the Republic — so every modern consultant is, linguistically at least, heir to an ancient tradition of being paid to give opinions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of consulting
'Consulting' derives from the Latin verb 'consultare', itself a frequentative form of 'consulere', meaning to deliberate, take counsel, or look after. The Latin root also produced the noun 'consul', the title of the chief magistrates of the Roman Republic, making 'consul', 'consulate', and 'consultation' true cognates. The English verb 'consult' entered the language in the early 17th century via French 'consulter', and 'consulting' developed from its present participle into a noun for advisory work as professional advisory practices grew during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Related word forms
How consulting is actually used
In everyday professional contexts, 'consulting' almost always refers to paid advisory work in business or technology, and it carries connotations of expertise and high fees. As a premodifying adjective ('a consulting engineer'), it describes a professional who serves clients in an advisory rather than permanent capacity. The gerund sense — simply the act of consulting someone or something — remains common but is usually clear from context.
Easily confused with consulting
A consultancy is the company or practice that provides advice, while consulting refers to the activity or industry itself.