gunning: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2informal, occasionally neutral (technical sense)
Quick answer
What does “gunning” mean?
The act of using or operating a gun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of using or operating a gun; shooting with a gun.
Actively and forcefully pursuing a goal, often with aggressive or single-minded determination; also refers to the act of hunting game with firearms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. The metaphorical idiom 'gunning for someone' is equally common in both. The literal sense related to hunting is somewhat more common in American English due to cultural context.
Connotations
Metaphorical use ('gunning for promotion') is neutral to slightly informal. Literal use can have violent or aggressive connotations. In rural contexts, 'gunning' can be a neutral term for hunting.
Frequency
The metaphorical/idiomatic use ('be gunning for') is more frequent than the literal, continuous-action use in everyday language.
Grammar
How to Use “gunning” in a Sentence
[Subject] is gunning for [Object/Goal/Person][Subject] was gunning [Object] downto go gunning for [game/objective]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gunning” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was gunning for a first-class degree.
- The journalists have been gunning for the minister all week.
- They spent the weekend gunning for pheasants on the estate.
American English
- She's gunning for the lead role in the play.
- The prosecutor is gunning for a maximum sentence.
- They went gunning for deer in the backwoods.
adjective
British English
- It was a gunning expedition, not a fishing trip.
- The film had a high-speed, gunning chase scene.
American English
- He joined a gunning club to improve his aim.
- The gunning season opens in November.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'She's clearly gunning for the managing director's job.' (meaning aggressively seeking a position)
Academic
Rarely used, except perhaps in historical contexts: 'The practice of gunning for seals decimated the population.'
Everyday
'The press has been gunning for the politician since the scandal broke.' (meaning harshly criticising/seeking to damage)
Technical
In engineering: 'He was gunning the engine to test the new turbocharger.' (meaning revving the engine)
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gunning”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gunning”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gunning”
- Using 'gunning' to mean simply 'trying' without the aggressive/forceful connotation (e.g., 'I'm gunning to learn French' is too strong).
- Confusing 'gunning' with 'gunning it' (accelerating a vehicle).
- Misspelling as 'guning' (single 'n').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it originates from gun use, its most common modern use is metaphorical, meaning to pursue something aggressively, as in a job or goal, without literal violence.
Yes, it can denote admirable determination, e.g., 'She's gunning for the Olympic team,' though it still carries a tone of forceful ambition.
'Gunning for' is more aggressive, intense, and often implies a specific target (like a person or a coveted position). 'Aiming for' is more neutral and general.
No, it is primarily informal. The metaphorical idiom is common in journalism and business but retains an informal, vivid tone. The literal hunting use is neutral in relevant contexts.
The act of using or operating a gun.
Gunning: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌnɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡʌnɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “be gunning for someone/something”
- “go gunning for”
- “gunning for bear”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cowboy in an old Western, **gunning** for the sheriff's badge. The image connects the word 'gun' with aggressive pursuit of a goal.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETITION/AMBITION IS WARFARE; PURSUING A GOAL IS SHOOTING AT A TARGET.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'The new competitor is gunning for our market share,' what does 'gunning for' most closely mean?