modelling: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “modelling” mean?
The process or activity of creating a representation or simulation of something, especially for study or as a prototype.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The process or activity of creating a representation or simulation of something, especially for study or as a prototype.
Also refers to the profession or activity of posing for an artist, photographer, or fashion designer to be depicted or to display clothing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK spelling: 'modelling' with double 'l'. US spelling: 'modeling' with single 'l'. The UK spelling follows the rule of doubling the consonant after a short vowel in unstressed syllables (though 'l' doubling is common even when stressed).
Connotations
Slight tendency for the UK spelling to be perceived as more formal or traditional in academic/scientific writing. The US spelling is dominant in American technical contexts.
Frequency
The UK spelling is overwhelmingly used in British publications. The US spelling is overwhelmingly used in American publications, even for the noun form, though the UK spelling occasionally appears in specialized or formal British-oriented contexts in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “modelling” in a Sentence
[noun] + of + [noun phrase] (modelling of climate systems)[adjective] + modelling (scientific modelling)modelling + [preposition] + [noun] (modelling in clay, modelling for a designer)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “modelling” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She is modelling the new collection for a London designer.
- Scientists have been modelling the potential impacts for months.
American English
- She is modeling the new collection for a New York designer.
- Researchers modeled the data using advanced software.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form for 'modelling')
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial form for 'modeling')
adjective
British English
- The modelling industry can be very competitive.
- We need more powerful modelling tools.
American English
- The modeling industry can be very competitive.
- We need more powerful modeling tools.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Creating financial forecasts or market simulations (e.g., 'Our risk modelling suggests a cautious approach.').
Academic
Constructing theoretical or mathematical representations of systems (e.g., 'Statistical modelling confirmed the hypothesis.').
Everyday
Referring to posing for photos or fashion work (e.g., 'She's trying to get into modelling.').
Technical
Using software to create digital 3D objects or scientific simulations (e.g., 'The CAD modelling took three weeks.').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “modelling”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “modelling”
- Incorrect: 'He does modelings.' (Uncountable noun, no plural 's'). Correct: 'He does modelling.'
- Incorrect US context: 'The paper discussed climate modelling' (using UK spelling in a US publication).
- Incorrect: 'This is a good modelling of the problem.' (Awkward; better: 'This is a good model of...' or 'The modelling of the problem was good.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'modelling' is generally an uncountable noun. You refer to 'the modelling,' 'some modelling,' or use a counter like 'a piece of modelling' or 'a modelling exercise.'
A 'model' is the end product (the representation itself). 'Modelling' is the process or activity of creating that model.
No. For the person, the word is 'model.' Correct: 'She is a model' or 'She works in modelling.'
Choose one variant and be consistent throughout your document. The choice often depends on your institutional affiliation, publisher's style guide, or the primary audience. Neither is 'wrong,' but mixing them is inconsistent.
The process or activity of creating a representation or simulation of something, especially for study or as a prototype.
Modelling is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Modelling: 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 modelling (serving as an example for others to imitate)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an architect building a small clay MODEL of a building, and then doing it again and again – MODEL + LING (like 'doubling' the effort, hence the double 'l').
Conceptual Metaphor
A MODEL IS A MAP (a simplified, useful guide to a complex territory). MODELLING IS SCULPTING (shaping an abstract form from raw material/data).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses the UK spelling of 'modelling' correctly in a scientific context?