pivoting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical, Business
Quick answer
What does “pivoting” mean?
The act of turning or rotating around a central point.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of turning or rotating around a central point; changing direction or strategy based on a central, crucial element.
In business and strategy, it refers to fundamentally changing the direction of a business or project after receiving feedback or encountering obstacles, while keeping one core element intact. In mechanics, it is the action of turning on a pivot. In sports, it is a footwork technique where one foot remains stationary while the other moves.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more prevalent in American business/startup jargon.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of agility and strategic responsiveness. In the UK, it may be perceived as slightly more of a business buzzword.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English, particularly in tech and entrepreneurial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “pivoting” in a Sentence
pivot (v) + on/around [sth]pivot (v) + from [X] + to [Y]pivot (v) + towards/away from [sth]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pivoting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The firm is pivoting towards sustainable materials.
- She pivoted on her heel to face the critic.
American English
- The company pivoted to a software-as-a-service model.
- He pivoted away from his original argument.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb; typically 'pivotingly')
American English
- (Rarely used as a standalone adverb; typically 'pivotingly')
adjective
British English
- The pivoting mechanism was well-oiled and silent.
- They discussed a pivoting strategy for the quarter.
American English
- The pivoting screen allowed for flexible viewing.
- Their pivoting move surprised the competitors.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The startup is pivoting from a B2C to a B2B model after analysing market data.
Academic
The researcher's pivoting from quantitative to qualitative methods yielded richer insights.
Everyday
After the rain started, we were pivoting our picnic plans to move indoors.
Technical
The robotic arm's smooth pivoting is controlled by a high-torque servo motor.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pivoting”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pivoting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pivoting”
- Using 'pivoting' to mean any small change (it implies a more fundamental strategic shift).
- Misspelling as 'pivoting' (correct) vs. 'pivoting' (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it involves change, 'pivoting' specifically implies changing direction or strategy around a central, fixed point or core idea. It's a more strategic and deliberate term.
It can be used in everyday language, often in a physical sense (e.g., pivoting in dance or sports). However, its most prominent and modern use is in business and strategic contexts.
Pivoting means fundamentally changing your core product, service, or model. Diversifying means adding new products or services while keeping your original core business. Pivoting is a shift; diversifying is an expansion.
Not usually. While adaptability is positive, constant pivoting can indicate a lack of clear vision or strategy, confuse customers and employees, and prevent the business from gaining traction in any one area.
The act of turning or rotating around a central point.
Pivoting is usually formal, technical, business in register.
Pivoting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɪv.ə.tɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪv.ə.t̬ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pivot on a sixpence/dime (to change direction very quickly and precisely)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a basketball player with one foot nailed to the floor (the PIVOT), turning their body to pass the ball. Pivoting is turning around a fixed point.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRATEGY/ADAPTATION IS PHYSICAL ROTATION. (e.g., 'pivoting the company' conceptualises strategic change as turning a physical object).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'pivoting' LEAST likely to be used?