shifting
UK: ˈʃɪftɪŋ | US: ˈʃɪftɪŋ
adj. changing or varying in position, direction, or focus
n. the act or process of moving or changing
v. (present participle of shift) to move or cause to move from one place or position to another
The word shifting derives from the Old English sciftan ("to arrange, divide, or move"), which evolved into Middle English shiften with a similar meaning. The root shift originally implied a deliberate rearrangement or transfer, often with a sense of division or distribution. Over time, it broadened to encompass general movement or change. The suffix -ing marks it as a present participle (adjective or noun form), emphasizing ongoing action. The modern sense retains the core idea of movement or transition, whether physical ("shifting gears") or abstract ("shifting opinions").
The shifting sands made it difficult to walk along the beach.
Her shifting emotions confused everyone around her.
The company is shifting its focus to renewable energy.
He kept shifting uncomfortably in his seat during the meeting.
Climate patterns are shifting due to global warming.