What does shifting mean?
“Shifting” describes movement or change that is continuous, gradual, or not firmly fixed. It is especially common for things changing position or direction, such as vehicles, clouds, crowds, or sand. It also describes less tangible changes, including shifts in public opinion, priorities, emphasis, conditions, or the focus of an activity. For example, a business may be shifting its attention to a new product, while a discussion may be shifting from one topic to another. The word often conveys that stability is temporary or that circumstances are developing, but it does not necessarily imply a negative result. As a participle, it can make the movement explicit: “the tide is shifting,” “the balance of power is shifting,” or “the deadline is shifting.” The same form is used when someone or something is actively being moved or transferred.
Changing position, direction, emphasis, conditions, or circumstances rather than remaining fixed.
"Public opinion is shifting rapidly toward stronger environmental protections."
Common in both literal and figurative contexts. It often suggests that the change is ongoing or temporary rather than permanent.
Move or transfer something from one place, position, focus, or time to another.
"The airline is shifting several morning flights to the afternoon."
This is the present participle and gerund form of “shift.” It can describe literal movement or figurative changes involving responsibility, attention, timing, and conditions.
From shifting sands to shifting goalposts, this word captures how situations that seem permanent can move, divide, or change with remarkable ease.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shifting come from?
The verb “shift” developed through Middle English forms such as “shiftien” and “shiften” from Old English “scyftan,” associated with separating, dividing, or arranging. It is cognate with Dutch “schuiven” and German “schieben”; through the idea of arranging or redistributing things, the word came to mean moving something from one position or group to another.
Related word forms
How shifting is actually used
As an adjective, “shifting” often appears before a noun, as in “a shifting situation,” while the participial form follows linking verbs, as in “the situation is shifting.” As a verb form, it can describe literal movement or figurative changes in focus, responsibility, timing, or conditions.