scheming: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to informal, often with negative connotations. Used in descriptive prose, criticism, political commentary, and everyday conversation to describe underhanded behavior.
Quick answer
What does “scheming” mean?
Engaging in the making of secret and often dishonest plans to achieve a goal, typically for personal advantage.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Engaging in the making of secret and often dishonest plans to achieve a goal, typically for personal advantage.
The quality or act of being cunning, crafty, and deceitful in planning; often implies a sustained pattern of manipulative behavior rather than a single act.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slightly more frequent in British political journalism.
Connotations
Universally negative. In both dialects, it implies slyness and a lack of scruples.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties. The associated noun 'scheme' is more common in British English (e.g., 'pension scheme').
Grammar
How to Use “scheming” in a Sentence
[subject] is scheming[subject] is scheming to [infinitive][subject] is scheming against [object][subject] is scheming [object]'s downfallVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “scheming” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He's been scheming to get the managing director's position since he joined.
- The faction was secretly scheming against the party leader.
American English
- She spent the whole meeting scheming about how to undermine her rival.
- They were accused of scheming to defraud the investors.
adverb
British English
- He glanced schemingly at the confidential files on the desk.
American English
- She worked schemingly behind the scenes to control the narrative.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe unethical corporate politics, e.g., 'The boardroom was full of scheming executives.'
Academic
Used in literary analysis (e.g., scheming villains in Shakespeare) or political science to describe behind-the-scenes power struggles.
Everyday
Used to describe someone perceived as manipulative, e.g., 'I don't trust him; he's always scheming.'
Technical
Rarely used in technical contexts except perhaps in game theory to describe deceptive strategies.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “scheming”
- Using it as a neutral synonym for 'planning'. Incorrect: 'We are scheming the office party.' (Should be 'planning').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, almost without exception. It describes dishonest, secretive planning for selfish gain. Using it neutrally is a mistake.
'Planning' is a neutral activity anyone does. 'Scheming' is a specific, negative type of planning involving deception and often harm to others.
No. Even if said jokingly (e.g., 'You scheming genius!'), it acknowledges the person's actions were cunning and likely unethical.
It is most frequently used as an adjective (a scheming person) or as the present participle/gerund form of the verb 'to scheme' (he is scheming).
Engaging in the making of secret and often dishonest plans to achieve a goal, typically for personal advantage.
Scheming is usually formal to informal, often with negative connotations. used in descriptive prose, criticism, political commentary, and everyday conversation to describe underhanded behavior. in register.
Scheming: in British English it is pronounced /ˈskiːmɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈskimɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A scheming mind”
- “Scheming your way to the top”
- “Behind that smile lies a scheming heart.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'scheme' as a 'sly theme' – a secret, dishonest plan. Someone 'scheming' is weaving that sly theme.
Conceptual Metaphor
SCHEMING IS WEAVING A (DECEPTIVE) WEB/TAPESTRY. Ideas of threads, plots, and entangled plans are common.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'scheming' correctly?