mounting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, slightly formal. Common in technical, business, and written contexts.
Quick answer
What does “mounting” mean?
The action or process of climbing, increasing, or preparing/installing something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or process of climbing, increasing, or preparing/installing something.
Refers to something that provides support, a base, or a framework for another object. Also describes a continuously escalating feeling, pressure, or situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. 'Mounting' as a noun for a support/frame is common in both. US English may use 'mounting' more frequently in technical/DIY contexts (e.g., TV mounting).
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in technical/mechanical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mounting” in a Sentence
mounting + of + NP (the mounting of the exhibition)NP + mounting (debts mounting)mounting + NP (mounting anxiety)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mounting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The costs are mounting worryingly.
- She is mounting an ambitious campaign for the position.
American English
- Pressure is mounting to pass the bill.
- They're mounting the TV on the wall this weekend.
adjective
British English
- There is mounting concern over the flooding.
- He faced mounting criticism from his peers.
American English
- Mounting debt forced them to sell the car.
- The team felt mounting excitement as the game neared.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to increasing costs, debt, or pressure on profits.
Academic
Used for accumulating evidence or growing concern about a research finding.
Everyday
Used for putting up pictures/shelves or describing growing feelings (worry, excitement).
Technical
Refers to the hardware or process of attaching a component to a structure (e.g., engine mounting, lens mounting).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mounting”
- Using 'mounting' as a main verb (e.g., 'He is mounting the horse' is correct for the verb 'mount', but 'mounting' alone is not the finite verb).
- Misspelling as 'mouting'.
- Using with non-gradable nouns (e.g., 'mounting perfection' is odd).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for neutral or positive increases (e.g., mounting excitement, mounting collections), though it is frequent with problems.
'Installing' is broader (installing software, a president). 'Mounting' often implies physically attaching or placing something onto a surface or support (mounting a TV, a specimen).
Yes. As a noun, it often means the support or framework something is attached to (e.g., 'The microscope has a sturdy metal mounting').
It is neutral but slightly more formal than 'going up' or 'putting up'. Common in writing and professional speech.
The action or process of climbing, increasing, or preparing/installing something.
Mounting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaʊn.tɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaʊn.t̬ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A mounting tide of... (e.g., protest)”
- “Mount the high horse (related to verb 'mount')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOUNTAIN: it's something you climb (mount) and it gets bigger (mounting) as you go up.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS VERTICAL ELEVATION (mounting debts = debts going up).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'mounting' LEAST likely refer to something increasing?