What does shutting mean?
Shutting is the present participle of the verb shut and describes the act of closing something, stopping the operation of a device or service, or ending an activity. It is especially frequent in the expressions “shutting down” and “shutting off”: a plant shuts down, a computer shuts off, and a person may shut off a conversation by refusing to respond. The form can also describe an action in progress, as in “she is shutting the door.” Although “shutting” may occasionally stand alone, the related forms “shut” and “shuts” are usually more natural when a complete finite verb is required. The word is neutral in register and is used in everyday conversation as well as in technical, institutional, and business contexts.
verbThe present participle of shut: closing something or causing it to close, or stopping the operation of a device, system, or service.
- Closing or causing to close.
- Stopping the operation of a device, system, business, or service.
- Ending participation in an activity or shutting down a conversation.
"The factory is shutting down for repairs at the end of the month."
"She is shutting the windows because the wind is getting stronger."
"The hospital is shutting down its temporary testing centre."
Shutting is the present participle of shut, but its past tense is also shut: a rare example of one form serving both roles.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shutting come from?
Shutting was formed by adding the present-participle ending -ing to shut. Shut comes from Middle English shutten and ultimately from Old English scittan, meaning “to close.” The modern form developed through language change in the Middle English period, while related forms such as shutter and shutdown were derived later from the same verbal root.
Related word forms
How shutting is actually used
As a verb form, shutting is especially common with down or off. On its own, it often sounds incomplete, as in “we are shutting,” unless the surrounding context makes the meaning clear.
Easily confused with shutting
Shutting means closing something or ceasing an activity, whereas shunning means deliberately avoiding or disregarding someone or something.