What does lowering mean?
“Lowering” most often describes the act of reducing something or bringing it to a lower level. It can refer to physical movement, as in lowering a flag or lowering a blind, and to the reduction of an abstract quantity, such as lowering prices, interest rates, temperatures, risks, or expectations. The word can also carry a figurative sense of making standards or demands less demanding, as in “lowering the bar.” In literary descriptions, a “lowering sky” is one that appears darkening or descending ominously. As a noun, “lowering” names the act or process, though this use is less frequent than the participial form. Overall, the term is straightforward and common, combining literal vertical movement with the broader idea of reduction, decrease, or downward pressure.
To move something to a lower position, or reduce its level, intensity, cost, or demands.
"The committee lowered the threshold for applications."
This is the present participle form of the verb “lower.” It is also used as a gerund, as in “lowering energy consumption.”
An act or process of reducing something or moving it downward.
"The gradual lowering of interest rates encouraged borrowing."
The noun is less common than the participial and gerund uses.
Moving or appearing to move downward, especially in a way that suggests worsening weather or conditions.
"A lowering bank of cloud spread across the sky."
This use is most often found in literary or atmospheric descriptions.
The plural is uncommon and is used mainly when referring to separate instances of reducing or lowering something.
"Repeated lowerings of the lending rate brought little benefit."
A word for moving downward, turning down, or making demands less demanding: one word covers ladders, prices, temperatures, and standards.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lowering come from?
The word derives from “lower,” which comes from Old English “lāg,” meaning low or lying down; the original vowel was later influenced by Middle English “lōu,” meaning “hill, mound, or shelter.” Modern forms meaning to bring down, descend, and make less developed from the same Germanic root found in other Germanic languages. English derivatives include “low,” “lowly,” and “lowness.”
Related word forms
How lowering is actually used
The form is most commonly encountered as the present participle of the verb “lower” or as a gerund. In “a lowering sky,” it has a literary quality and suggests an ominous approach. The adjectival use is less frequent than the participial one.
Easily confused with lowering
Lowering means reducing or moving something downward, whereas loaning means lending something for temporary use.
Lowering means making something less or moving it down, whereas lowing refers to a cow making its characteristic prolonged call.