covering power: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “covering power” mean?
The ability of a material (especially paint, ink, or makeup) to completely conceal the surface underneath it in a single layer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The ability of a material (especially paint, ink, or makeup) to completely conceal the surface underneath it in a single layer.
The capacity of something (e.g., insurance, legislation, a communication signal) to provide comprehensive protection, inclusion, or reach across a defined area or group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or grammatical differences. The term is technical and used identically. The concept is universally understood in relevant industries.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties. It denotes a measurable, desirable property.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language. Its use is confined to specific professional, academic, or technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “covering power” in a Sentence
The [NOUN] has excellent covering power.We need to evaluate the covering power of this [MATERIAL].Its poor covering power is a major drawback.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “covering power” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This new primer covers power exceptionally well, hiding stains in one coat.
- The insurer's policy must cover power generation facilities across the EU.
American English
- The paint needs to cover power-tool marks on the drywall.
- Does your liability coverage cover power outages at the data center?
adverb
British English
- [Not a standard adverbial form for this noun phrase.]
American English
- [Not a standard adverbial form for this noun phrase.]
adjective
British English
- We require a high-covering-power undercoat for this renovation.
- The make-up artist recommended a full-covering-power concealer.
American English
- Look for a paint with good covering power on the label.
- It's a high-covering-power foundation suitable for photography.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like paint manufacturing or insurance underwriting ('The policy's covering power is insufficient for our global operations.').
Academic
Used in materials science, chemistry, and engineering papers discussing pigments, coatings, or surface treatments.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Might be encountered in detailed DIY or makeup tutorials discussing product quality.
Technical
The primary domain. Common in specifications for paints, inks, photographic emulsions, foundations, and primers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “covering power”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “covering power”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “covering power”
- Using 'cover power' (missing the -ing).
- Confusing it with 'coverage area' (which is about extent, not the opacity/effectiveness per unit area).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'It covering powers well').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Coverage' often refers to the extent or area something reaches (e.g., 'Wi-Fi coverage'). 'Covering power' is more specific, referring to the quality of *how completely* a single application conceals or protects what is beneath it.
Yes, in extended use. For example, one might discuss the 'covering power' of a new law or an insurance policy, metaphorically describing how comprehensively it applies to different situations or groups.
'Hiding power' is a direct and very common synonym, especially in American English technical specifications.
No. It is a low-frequency, technical term. Learners in fields like engineering, chemistry, or fine arts may need it, but most general English learners will not encounter it regularly.
The ability of a material (especially paint, ink, or makeup) to completely conceal the surface underneath it in a single layer.
Covering power is usually formal / technical in register.
Covering power: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkʌvərɪŋ ˌpaʊə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkʌvərɪŋ ˌpaʊər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with this specific compound noun]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a POWERful blanket COVERING a bed completely, leaving nothing underneath visible.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFECTIVENESS IS STRENGTH / COMPLETENESS IS A SOLID LAYER
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'covering power' LEAST likely to be used?