existing

1. 1
   currentadjective

   Real or present at the current time, rather than only in the past or the future.

   Engineers checked whether the existing bridge could bear the heavier loads.

   The policy applies to all existing members, not just future ones.

   UsageUsually before a noun: the existing system, existing customers. It does not take more or very.

   Similarcurrent, present, extant

   Oppositefuture, former, new

2. 2
   beingverb

   Present participle of exist.

   Any species existing only on a single small island is especially vulnerable to a sudden change in climate.

   Merely existing was not enough for her; she wanted to thrive.

   UsageExist names a state, so is existing is uncommon; the -ing form is more usual in merely existing or existing on very little.

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