What does remaining mean?
Remaining describes what is left after some portion has been used, removed, completed, or otherwise dealt with. It can describe money, resources, time, people, or unresolved matters: “The remaining balance must be paid by Friday” and “the remaining passengers boarded the next train.” As the present participle of remain, it also expresses continued existence or presence, as in “Only the old lighthouse remains standing.” Although most often an adjective, remaining can function as a verb and, more rarely, as a noun referring to those or that which are left. Its broad range makes it useful whenever a quantity or group must be distinguished from a part already accounted for. The word is neutral in tone and equally common in everyday speech and formal writing.
Left over, still to be done, or continuing to exist.
"The company redirected its remaining funds to emergency relief."
This is the most common modern use of the word.
The present participle of remain, meaning to continue in the same place, state, or condition.
"Several questions remain unresolved."
In formal prose, remain is generally preferred when the action is stated directly; remaining is especially natural as an adjective.
The people, amount, or quantity left after others or another portion have been removed or used.
"The remainder of the crowd waited outside."
The noun is relatively uncommon, and the plural remainings is used especially for people who have not departed.
The plural is used chiefly for the people or items that are left, especially those still present or not yet accounted for.
"The remaining were counted and led to safety."
Remaining comes from Latin remanere, literally “to stay behind,” combining “back” with “stay.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remaining come from?
Remaining entered English in the Middle English period as a form derived from Old French remainer, “to remain.” The Old French word came from Latin remanere, formed from re-, meaning “back” or “again,” and manere, meaning “to stay.” The same Latin root underlies forms such as remainder and remanent.
Related word forms
How remaining is actually used
Remaining is widely used in formal and informal contexts. As an adjective it often precedes a noun, as in “remaining funds” or “the remaining participants.” As a noun, it is less common and usually occurs in constructions such as “the remaining,” while the plural remainings is chiefly used for people who have not departed.
Easily confused with remaining
Remain is the verb meaning to continue in the same place or state, whereas remaining is its present participle and is commonly used as an adjective.
Remaining is usually an adjective or participle, while remainder is a noun naming what is left after something else has been removed or used.