What does leveling mean?
Leveling is the process of making something level, even, or equal. In physical contexts, it can refer to smoothing a surface, flattening land, adjusting a structure, or bringing a machine into proper alignment. It also has an important figurative use: leveling the playing field means removing or reducing advantages, disadvantages, or other differences so that people have more equal opportunities. In social and political discussion, leveling may suggest fairness, but it can also imply reducing distinctions, rewards, or standards rather than correcting an imbalance. The word comes from level, which entered English from French and ultimately from the Latin libella, meaning a small balance or level. As a noun, leveling names the activity or its result; as a verb form, it describes the action of making something level or equal. The spelling levelling is especially common in British English.
The act or process of making something level, even, or equal, or the state resulting from this process.
"Careful leveling of the floor is essential before installing the tiles."
The noun can be countable when referring to separate acts, but the process itself is often treated as uncountable.
To make something level or even, or to reduce or eliminate differences in status, value, treatment, or opportunity.
"The new policy was intended to level access to the training program."
This is the present participle of level and is commonly used attributively, as in leveling equipment or a leveling process.
The plural is uncommon but is used for separate acts or instances of leveling; leveling as a process is normally uncountable.
"The successive levelings of the playing field transformed the tournament."
Leveling enters English through a little Roman balance: the Latin libella originally meant a small level or balance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leveling come from?
Leveling is formed from level with the suffix -ing. Level entered Middle English from Anglo-Norman French nivel, which came from Latin libella, a diminutive of libra meaning balance or scales. Its cognates include equilibrium, libra, libration, and librate, all associated with the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How leveling is actually used
Leveling is neutral in its physical uses but can be politically or socially charged when it refers to reducing inequality. The spelling leveling is standard in American English, while levelling is the more usual British form.
Easily confused with leveling
Leveling makes a surface even or reduces inequalities, whereas labelling means attaching a name, description, or classification to something.