gerund noun
The act of making a person, body part, building, or material better able to resist damage or pressure.
Strengthening muscles takes regular exercise.
The strengthening of the bridge prevented further damage.
American English
How to pronounce strengthening
noun · verb · adjectiveB2Common word
STREHNGthuhnihng
/ˈstɹɛŋ.θə.nɪŋ/
3 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of strengthen
This -ing form can name a process, show an action in progress, or describe something intended to make something stronger.
The act of making a person, body part, building, or material better able to resist damage or pressure.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
gerund noun
The act of making an idea, relationship, organization, or situation more effective, stable, or convincing.
Strengthening a relationship requires time and trust.
The strengthening of security measures reduced the risk.
gerund noun
The process of becoming more powerful, stable, or valuable.
The strengthening of the dollar made imports cheaper.
Investors welcomed the strengthening of demand.
present participle
Making a person, body part, building, or material better able to resist damage or pressure.
These exercises are strengthening her back.
Workers are strengthening the bridge with steel supports.
Useful expressions
to make one's opinion, authority, or advantage more secure
The new evidence strengthened her position.
to improve a relationship between people, groups, or countries
The visit strengthened ties between the two countries.
to make an argument more convincing
These facts strengthen the case for reform.