tracking: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “tracking” mean?
The action or process of following and recording the movements, progress, or location of someone or something over time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action or process of following and recording the movements, progress, or location of someone or something over time.
1) The systematic observation and recording of data related to movement, development, or progress. 2) The educational practice of grouping students by perceived ability or achievement. 3) In film/video: maintaining a moving subject in frame.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In computing, 'tracking' is used identically. In education, 'tracking' (US) is synonymous with 'setting' or 'streaming' (UK) for ability grouping. 'Tracking shot' (film) is universal.
Connotations
Neutral in technical contexts. In US educational contexts, often carries a negative connotation associated with inequality and limiting opportunity.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects in business, logistics, and technology contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “tracking” in a Sentence
the tracking of + [NOUN PHRASE] (the tracking of expenses)[NOUN] + tracking (flight tracking)tracking + [PREP] + [NOUN] (tracking on the website)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tracking” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The delivery firm is tracking your parcel; you should get an update soon.
- We need to track our carbon emissions more accurately.
American English
- The app tracks all my workouts and sleep patterns.
- The police tracked the suspect to a warehouse in Chicago.
adverb
British English
- This device records data tracking.
American English
- The missile flew tracking low over the desert.
adjective
British English
- The tracking data showed the lorry deviated from its route.
- Please quote your tracking reference number.
American English
- The tracking information is available on our website.
- She inserted a tracking pixel into the email newsletter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The tracking of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) is essential for quarterly reviews.
Academic
The study involved the longitudinal tracking of cognitive development in the cohort.
Everyday
I'm tracking my steps with a fitness app.
Technical
The software uses pixel tracking to analyse user behaviour on the webpage.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tracking”
- Incorrect: 'He is tracking on his project.' Correct: 'He is tracking the progress of his project.'
- Overusing as a direct translation for 'логистика'; logistics is broader than just tracking.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Tracking' is primarily a gerund (noun formed from a verb). The base verb is 'to track.'
'Tracking' implies continuous, ongoing following of movement or progress. 'Tracing' often implies finding the origin, path, or outline of something, sometimes after the fact.
No. While modern usage often involves technology (GPS, software), tracking can be manual (e.g., tracking animals by their footprints, tracking expenses in a notebook).
It is neutral in most technical and logistical contexts. It can become negative in contexts of unwanted surveillance ('phone tracking') or in educational debates ('ability tracking').
The action or process of following and recording the movements, progress, or location of someone or something over time.
Tracking is usually neutral to formal in register.
Tracking: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtræk.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtræk.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lose track of”
- “keep track of”
- “on the right track”
- “track record”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'track' or trail left behind. 'Tracking' is the act of following that trail.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A PATH (we 'track' progress along it); SURVEILLANCE IS HUNTING (we 'track' a target).
Practice
Quiz
In an educational context in the US, 'tracking' most often refers to: