What does growing mean?
Growing is the present participle of grow and is also used as an adjective. As a verb, it describes an action in progress: a business growing, a plant growing, or a child growing taller. It can specifically refer to cultivation, as in growing tomatoes. As an adjective, it usually means increasing in size, amount, or importance: a growing number of complaints, a growing concern, or the growing demand for housing. These forms overlap closely because a process that is happening can also be viewed as a developing condition or trend. In everyday use, “growing” often carries a positive sense of progress or vitality, especially when describing children, communities, or businesses. That positivity is not obligatory: “a growing problem” signals expansion or worsening, while “growing pains” refers to difficulties that accompany development. Grammatically, growing is not used alone as the finite present-tense form of grow; “she grows” is required in that construction. Its broad range—from physical increase to institutional development—makes it useful in both literal descriptions and discussions of change.
To increase, develop, or flourish; to cultivate a plant or produce a crop.
"She has been growing tomatoes in the garden since spring."
Growing is the present participle and gerund of grow. In a finite clause, the conjugated form grows is normally required.
Increasing or becoming more prevalent, extensive, or important.
"The company is struggling to meet growing demand."
Often used attributively in phrases such as growing concern and growing market.
Growth has always meant more than getting bigger: it can mean flourishing, developing, or becoming more powerful.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does growing come from?
The modern English verb comes from Old English grōwan, meaning to flourish, thrive, develop, or increase. It continues Proto-Germanic *growaną and is related to forms such as Dutch groeien and Old Norse gróa. In later English, its range developed to cover both physical growth and abstract processes such as the expansion of an institution, dispute, or idea.
How growing is actually used
Growing is the present participle of grow, not the finite present-tense form: “she grows,” rather than “she growing.” Its connotations range from positive ideas of progress and vitality to neutral or potentially negative increases in problems, costs, or risks.
Easily confused with growing
Growing means increasing or developing, whereas glowing means emitting light or appearing bright and warm.