incoming

UK: ˈɪnkʌmɪŋ | US: ˈɪnkʌmɪŋ

Definition

  1. adj. about to arrive or happen

  2. adj. newly elected or appointed

  3. n. the act of coming in; arrival

Structure
in <into, toward>come <move toward>ing <present participle suffix>
Etymology

The word "incoming" combines the prefix "in-" (denoting direction or movement toward something) with the verb "come" (from Old English "cuman," meaning "to move toward"). The suffix "-ing" forms the present participle, indicating ongoing action or state. Historically, "incoming" emerged in Middle English to describe things or people arriving or entering, later expanding to roles (e.g., "incoming president"). Its logic reflects physical/spatial transition metaphorically applied to abstract concepts like succession.

Examples

  1. The incoming flight has been delayed by 30 minutes.

  2. The incoming mayor outlined her priorities during the press conference.

  3. Soldiers took cover from incoming artillery fire.

  4. Incoming students must attend orientation week.

  5. The system filters out spam from incoming emails.