availing
|a-vail-ing|
/əˈveɪl/
(avail)
useful benefit
Etymology
'avail' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'availlier/availle' (from a- + 'vail'), where the root is ultimately from Latin 'valēre' meaning 'to be strong, to be worth'.
'avail' changed from Old French 'availlier/availle' into Middle English forms such as 'availen' and eventually became the modern English 'avail' and derivative forms like 'availing'.
Initially it meant 'to have strength or value; to be of worth or help', and over time it evolved into the current meanings of 'to be of use, to help' and related senses.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
present participle form of 'avail': making use of something; taking advantage of or using (often followed by 'oneself of').
She is availing herself of the university's career services.
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Antonyms
Adjective 1
useful or helpful; producing a beneficial effect (often used in negative phrases: 'of little/no avail').
The new instructions proved availing for many users.
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Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/30 14:00