C1noun 1K

Processing

UK /["/ˈprəʊsesɪŋ/"]/ US /["/ˈprɑːsesɪŋ/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

the treatment of raw material, food, etc. in order to change it, preserve it, etc.

Listen to definition

In simple words: The action of dealing with something, for example, information or materials.

Examples

• the **food processing** industry
• a sewage processing plant
• errors in the processing of financial transactions

Usage notes

Use 'processing' when talking about handling data, materials, or issues. It's suitable in both business and everyday contexts, but avoid using it in very casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

processing + object

Memory hint

Imagine a computer 'processing' data like a chef preparing a meal.

Collocations

• data processing
• information processing
• processing time
• food processing
• processing power

Synonyms

• handling
• managing
• dealing
• treating
• working on

Antonyms

• stagnation
• delay
• halt

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'process' as a verb and noun.
• Misusing 'processing' as a standalone term without an object.
• Incorrectly spelling as 'proccessing'.