processing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral to formal; widely used in technical, business, and academic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “processing” mean?
The action or method of performing a series of operations on something to change or analyze it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or method of performing a series of operations on something to change or analyze it.
The systematic handling or managing of information, materials, or tasks; also, mental or cognitive handling of experiences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. Minor differences in collocational preference (e.g., 'data processing' slightly more common in UK; 'information processing' in US technical contexts).
Connotations
Largely identical. In business contexts, 'in processing' for onboarding (US) vs. 'onboarding' (UK).
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects due to technical ubiquity.
Grammar
How to Use “processing” in a Sentence
[subject] + [verb] + processing + [of + object] (The processing of applications)[subject] + be + under + processing (Your application is under processing)[subject] + require + processing (The data requires further processing)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “processing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company is processing the orders from our Edinburgh office.
- Her brain was still processing the shocking information.
American English
- The bank is processing my loan application now.
- I need a moment to process what just happened.
adjective
British English
- The processing time for visas has increased.
- We've upgraded to a new processing plant in Yorkshire.
American English
- Check the processing fee before you submit the form.
- The chip has incredible processing speed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the handling of orders, invoices, or administrative tasks (e.g., 'We have streamlined our order processing').
Academic
Used in psychology (cognitive processing), computer science (data processing), and engineering (signal processing).
Everyday
Common in contexts like photo printing, visa applications, or computer performance (e.g., 'My laptop is slow; it needs more processing power').
Technical
Precise operations in computing, manufacturing, or scientific analysis (e.g., 'real-time processing of sensor data').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “processing”
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “processing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “processing”
- Using 'process' as a countable noun incorrectly (e.g., 'a processing' is rare; usually 'a process' or 'the processing').
- Confusing 'processing' with 'proceeding' (which relates to legal actions or continuing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while dominant in computing, it applies to any systematic operation (e.g., food processing, mental processing, administrative processing).
Yes, the verb is 'to process'. 'Processing' is its present participle or gerund (noun form).
'Process' is the series of actions or the method itself. 'Processing' emphasizes the active performance or execution of that process.
Typically uncountable when referring to the action ('Data processing is essential'). It can be countable in very specific technical jargon (e.g., 'different image processings'), but this is rare.
The action or method of performing a series of operations on something to change or analyze it.
Processing is usually neutral to formal; widely used in technical, business, and academic contexts. in register.
Processing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈprəʊsesɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈprɑːsesɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In the pipeline (being processed)”
- “Grind through the process”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a PROcessor in a factory CESsing (stopping) raw materials and turning them into something new — PRO-CESS-ING.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING/UNDERSTANDING IS PROCESSING (e.g., 'I'm still processing the news'); ORGANIZATIONS ARE PROCESSORS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'processing' LEAST likely to be used?