What does strengthening mean?
“Strengthening” denotes the process of acquiring greater strength or causing something to become stronger, more effective, or more secure. It is widely used in political, economic, academic, and personal contexts, as in “the strengthening of the economy,” “strengthening diplomatic ties,” and “the gradual strengthening of confidence.” The noun usually describes an ongoing change, while the adjective describes something that is growing stronger or serving to make something stronger. Although it can suggest deliberate improvement, it may also refer to strengthening that occurs naturally over time. The word is useful because it captures both the action and the resulting development: something is not merely strong; it is becoming stronger. It is closely related to “strengthen,” from which it is formed with the suffix “-ing.”
The process of becoming stronger or making something stronger, more effective, or more secure.
"The company attributed its recovery to the strengthening of demand for its products."
Normally uncountable; “a strengthening” may be used when referring to a particular strengthening factor or development.
Growing in strength or tending to make something stronger.
"A strengthening economy increased demand for consumer goods."
Commonly used attributively before nouns such as “economy,” “trend,” “influence,” and “support.”
Rarely pluralized; the uncountable form “strengthening” is usual for the process, while the plural can refer to distinct strengthening factors or developments.
"The two policies were regarded as significant strengthenings of public safety."
“Strengthening” captures change in progress: the power is not merely stronger, but on its way there.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does strengthening come from?
“Strengthening” was formed from “strengthen” with the suffix “-ing,” which can indicate either an ongoing process or an action. “Strengthen” developed through Middle English from Old English “strengþan,” a verb based on “strong.” Related English forms include “strength” and “strongly,” all reflecting the same Germanic root.
Related word forms
How strengthening is actually used
The noun is usually uncountable, especially when referring to a general process. As an adjective, it is commonly used attributively before words such as “economy,” “trend,” “effect,” and “influence.”
Easily confused with strengthening
“Strengthening” names the process of becoming or making something stronger, whereas “strengthened” describes something that has already been made stronger.