What does "coasting" mean?
The act of sailing along a coast, or from port to port.
Coasting
noun, verb
noun, verb ·2 syllables ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The act of sailing along a coast, or from port to port.
- Grammar: coasting is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: boating, canoeing, cruising, drift.
- Useful contrasts: accelerate, active, apply oneself.
- Usage evidence: Pete came coasting down the hill on his sled.
How to use "coasting"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "coasting" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "coasting" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "coasting" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "coasting" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "coasting" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "boating" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "coasting", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The act of sailing along a coast, or from port to port. countable, uncountable
"Glory be to God, all sublunary coastings will soon be over. Yet a little while, and we shall get into an eternal harbour."
- 2 The act of disengaging the gears of a moving vehicle and rolling along without the use of engine power. countable, uncountable
"Avanti West Coast has introduced the use of coasting with its Pendolino fleet, in an effort to keep disruption during overhead line equipment failures to a minimum. [...] The Class 390s coasted for three miles without power between Harrow & Wealdstone and Wembley Central, running under damaged OLE."
- 3 A progression of symptoms after treatment, before gradual improvement begins. countable, uncountable
- 4 Drinking nolo drinks so as to imbibe less alcohol while still enjoying tippling. countable, uncountable
"Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations often used to result in a hangover, but with moderation now the order of the day the new drinks industry buzzword is "coasting". This involves choosing a white wine, lager or even a cocktail that is about half the strength of the traditional version — meaning you can have the same number of drinks without feeling the worse for wear. Vanessa Pearson, Ocado Retail's trading manager for beers, wines and spirits, credits "coasting" for a "huge increase in customer interest in mid-strength wine". In 2025 its sales of these types of wines soared 4,000% as the new category gained ground. "Mid-strength" drinks occupy the middle ground between no and low-alcohol (nolo) and standard options, and such beers and ciders are about 2-3% alcohol by volume, wines 3-9% and spirits 15-20%. The advent of coasting chimes with data showing Britons are drinking less alcohol than before. The average UK adult consumed 10.2 alcoholic drinks a week in 2024, according to the latest figures from the drinks industry data company IWSR. This is the lowest figure since data collection began in 1990 and down from a high of 14 weekly drinks two decades ago. However, total abstention is not on the rise despite the decline in consumption, which suggests more cautious drinking habits."
Verb
- 1 present participle and gerund of coast form-of, gerund, participle, present
Antonyms
Example
"Pete came coasting down the hill on his sled."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "coasting"?
Common synonyms include: boating, canoeing, cruising, drift, drifting, flow.
How do you use "coasting" in a sentence?
Pete came coasting down the hill on his sled.