bleeding
Describes a wound or body part that is currently losing blood, or a situation where resources like money are being lost rapidly and uncontrollably. In technical contexts, it can also refer to colors or inks spreading into surrounding areas or beyond a boundary.
Examples
3 of 5She used a clean cloth to apply pressure to the bleeding cut on her arm.
She used a clean cloth to apply pressure to the bleeding cut on her arm.
The patient was admitted to the emergency room with a bleeding gastric ulcer.
The patient was admitted to the emergency room with a bleeding gastric ulcer.
Don't just stand there looking at the bleeding obvious!
Don't just stand there looking at the bleeding obvious!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Bleeding Edge' knife: it is so sharp and new that it might make you bleed. This links the technical sense to the literal sense.
Quick Quiz
The company's new project is _____ money, and they might go bankrupt by December.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
She used a clean cloth to apply pressure to the bleeding cut on her arm.
everydayShe used a clean cloth to apply pressure to the bleeding cut on her arm.
The patient was admitted to the emergency room with a bleeding gastric ulcer.
formalThe patient was admitted to the emergency room with a bleeding gastric ulcer.
Don't just stand there looking at the bleeding obvious!
informalDon't just stand there looking at the bleeding obvious!
The study investigates the long-term effects of internal bleeding in trauma victims.
academicThe study investigates the long-term effects of internal bleeding in trauma victims.
The subsidiary has been bleeding cash since the start of the fiscal year.
businessThe subsidiary has been bleeding cash since the start of the fiscal year.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Bleeding heart
A person who is considered to be dangerously soft-hearted or excessively sympathetic.
Bleeding edge
Describing technology that is so new it may be unreliable.
Bleed someone dry
To take all of someone's money or resources.
Often Confused With
Usage Notes
While primarily a medical term, 'bleeding' is frequently used metaphorically in business to describe rapid financial loss. In British English, it is also used as a mild intensifier (slang), though this should be avoided in formal writing.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'bleeding' when they mean the noun 'blood' (e.g., saying 'there is bleeding on the floor' instead of 'there is blood on the floor'). Use 'bleeding' to describe the active process or as an adjective for the wound.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Bleeding Edge' knife: it is so sharp and new that it might make you bleed. This links the technical sense to the literal sense.
Word Origin
From the Old English 'blēdan', which comes from 'blōd' (blood), specifically referring to the act of losing or drawing blood.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In British culture, 'bleeding' is a classic 'minced oath' or mild swear word used to add emphasis, though it is considered less offensive than many other terms.
Quick Quiz
The company's new project is _____ money, and they might go bankrupt by December.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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C2Acting in accordance with morality and high standards of behavior. It describes a person or an action guided by a strict set of values and integrity rather than by personal gain or convenience.
analytical
C1Relating to or using analysis or logical reasoning to understand something by breaking it down into its constituent parts. It describes a systematic approach to problem-solving and the ability to evaluate information critically.
authorize
C1To grant official permission or legal power to someone to perform a specific action or to allow something to happen. It typically involves a formal process or a person in a position of authority validating a request or procedure.
beneficial
B2Beneficial describes something that has a good effect or promotes well-being. It is frequently used in formal or academic contexts to highlight the advantages or positive outcomes of a specific action, substance, or situation.
consistent
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constitutional
C2Relating to the fundamental principles or established laws that govern a state or organization. It can also refer to an individual's physical health or inherent temperament.
define
C1A precise statement or explanation of the meaning, nature, or scope of a word, concept, or thing. It is also used to describe the degree of clarity and detail in an image or sound.
contextual
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contractor
C1A person or company that performs work or provides goods and services under a specific legal agreement. Unlike a regular employee, a contractor is usually hired for a specific project or a fixed period of time as an independent entity.
derive
B2To obtain, receive, or trace something from a specific source or origin. It is commonly used to describe getting a benefit, a feeling, or a logical conclusion from something else.
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