modeling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Professional, Technical
Quick answer
What does “modeling” mean?
The act of creating a representation or simulation of something (often in 3D), or the profession of posing as a subject for art, fashion, or photography.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of creating a representation or simulation of something (often in 3D), or the profession of posing as a subject for art, fashion, or photography.
The process of analysing and representing a system, concept, or data set mathematically or visually; also, the act of demonstrating a behaviour for others to emulate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling: UK 'modelling', US 'modeling'. The single 'l' is standard in American English for the -ing/-ed forms of verbs ending in -el where the stress is not on the last syllable. Both spellings are understood in both regions.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. In technical/academic contexts, it implies analytical representation. In fashion/art, it implies posing or sculpting.
Frequency
The word is frequent in scientific, engineering, fashion, and business contexts in both varieties. The US spelling 'modeling' is increasingly seen in international technical publications.
Grammar
How to Use “modeling” in a Sentence
modeling of [NOUN PHRASE] (the modeling of climate change)modeling for [PURPOSE] (modeling for a magazine)modeling with [TOOL/MEDIUM] (modeling with software)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “modeling” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is modelling the new autumn collection in Paris.
- They are modelling the traffic flow to find bottlenecks.
American English
- He is modeling for a famous photographer today.
- The team is modeling the potential outcomes of the policy change.
adverb
British English
- This software functions primarily modelling-wise for architects. (Rare/constructed)
American English
- He approached the problem not artistically, but strictly modeling-wise. (Rare/constructed)
adjective
British English
- The modelling agency is seeking new talent.
- We need more powerful modelling software.
American English
- She signed with a top modeling agency in New York.
- The project requires advanced modeling techniques.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to creating financial projections or market simulations (e.g., 'We used predictive modeling to forecast Q4 revenue.').
Academic
Refers to constructing theoretical or mathematical representations of systems (e.g., 'Her research involves complex climate modeling.').
Everyday
Most commonly associated with the fashion industry or hobbies like building scale models (e.g., 'She's pursuing a career in modeling.').
Technical
The process of creating a 3D digital representation in CAD/CGI, or statistical analysis (e.g., 'The engineer is focused on the 3D modeling phase.').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “modeling”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “modeling”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “modeling”
- Misspelling: 'modelering' or 'moddeling'.
- Using 'modeling' as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'I made three modelings' - prefer 'I created three models').
- Confusing 'role model' (noun) with 'role modeling' (gerund/activity).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct, but 'modeling' is the standard American English spelling, and 'modelling' is the standard British English spelling.
'Modeling' refers to the activity or process (e.g., the act of creating simulations or posing). 'A model' is the person who poses or the final representation that is created (e.g., a fashion model, a 3D model).
Yes, commonly in compounds like 'modeling agency', 'modeling software', or 'modeling career', where it describes the noun as related to the activity of modeling.
It is a fixed phrase where 'modeling' means 'demonstrating by example.' It's used in social, educational, and psychological contexts to describe the act of setting a behavioural example for others to follow.
The act of creating a representation or simulation of something (often in 3D), or the profession of posing as a subject for art, fashion, or photography.
Modeling is usually formal, academic, professional, technical in register.
Modeling: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɒd.əl.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.dəl.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “role modeling (the act of setting a behavioural example)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MODEL taking an 'L' out. In American modeling, they use one 'L'; in British modelling, they keep both 'L's.
Conceptual Metaphor
MODELING IS SCULPTING (shaping an idea into a tangible form); MODELING IS ACTING (performing a role for an audience).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'modeling' LEAST likely to be used?