What does indicating mean?
Indicating means showing, signifying, or providing evidence of something. It is the present participle of “indicate” and is also used adjectivally when a noun follows, especially in phrases such as “indicating signs.” Its most common use occurs after forms of “be” in statements about evidence, trends, effects, or probable developments: “The figures are indicating a rise in demand.” The word is neutral and formal in tone, and it often appears in reports, research discussions, and news writing. Although similar to “showing” and “suggesting,” it can imply that available signs point toward a particular conclusion without necessarily establishing it as certain. The distinction is especially useful when discussing early evidence, preliminary results, or developing circumstances where interpretation remains provisional.
Serving as a sign or indication of something.
"The study found indicating signs of a significant climate shift."
Typically used before a noun, particularly “signs” or “evidence.”
The present participle of indicate.
"New figures are indicating that consumer confidence has improved."
Commonly used with forms of “be” to describe evidence or an indication that is emerging.
Its ancestor, Latin indicare, literally meant “to point out,” so indicating still carries the idea of one fact pointing toward another.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indicating come from?
The word comes from Latin indicare, meaning “to point out,” formed from index, meaning “pointer” or “index.” English borrowed the stem in the 17th century in senses connected with showing, pointing out, and making known. The same Latin root also underlies words such as “index,” “indict,” “indication,” and “indicative.”
Related word forms
How indicating is actually used
In its participial use, it commonly follows forms of “be,” as in “the results are indicating a decline.” When used before a noun, it has an adjectival function, as in “indicating signs.”
Easily confused with indicating
Indicating is a participial form used in a sentence, whereas indicative is an adjective or noun describing a sign or a grammatical mood.