oncoming
An oncoming thing or situation is approaching quickly, often unexpectedly.
When we use the word "oncoming", we usually talk about something that's moving towards us, like traffic coming around a bend, a storm heading our way, or a problem that's getting closer. For example, if you're driving and see headlights in your rearview mirror, they're oncoming traffic - cars are approaching from behind you. We might also use "oncoming" to describe a situation where something is developing quickly, like an oncoming financial crisis or an oncoming wave of new customers for a business.
How common is "oncoming"?
Word oncoming is considered rare in modern English.
It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.
It appears most frequently in fiction texts and less often in other writings.
Definitions
verb
To arrive; come to; come on.
noun
Approach, onset
adjective
Approaching; coming closer
Example: Look carefully before pulling out into oncoming traffic.
Real examples of "oncoming" in context
