noun

softening

noun

The process of becoming, or making something, less hard, harsh, or severe.

"A softening of the market meant house prices finally started to fall."

"Doctors noticed a softening of the tissue around the wound."

How to Use Softening

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe gradual process of something becoming gentler, weaker, or less rigid — used for markets, attitudes, materials, and more.

Common pairings

softening of demand softening in tone

softenings plural

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Can you complete this real example?

A _____ of the market meant house prices finally started to fall.

From Middle English softenyng, built from soften plus -ing.

evening opening widening awakening happening weakening deafening maddening listening gardening sickening fattening