cushioning
/ˈkʊʃ.ən/ (bre, ipa) · [kˈʊʃənɪŋ] /ˈkʊʃ.ən/ (ame, ipa) · [kˈʊʃənɪŋ] /ˈku̇-sh(ə-)niŋ/ (ame, mw)
cushioning — verb
- cushioningpresent simple I / you / we / they
- cushionings3rd person singular
- cushioninging-ing form
- cushioningedpast simple
1. to reduce the unpleasant effect, force, or damage of something such as a fall, a
to reduce the unpleasant effect, force, or damage of something such as a fall, a sudden change, or bad news.
Femi wore thick gloves to cushion his hands against the cold metal bars.
cushion + body part + against + object
The government introduced tax cuts to cushion the blow of rising fuel prices.
figurative use: cushion the blow of [bad news]
Apinya fell backwards onto the lawn, and the thick grass cushioned her landing.
A well-funded emergency account can cushion the financial shock of losing your job.
The bubble wrap is meant to cushion the vase during the long overseas delivery.
- amplify
to increase the effect or force of something
文法句型
cushion + noun phrase (the blow / the impact / the fall)
用法筆記
Common in both physical and figurative contexts — the same verb describes softening a literal fall or lessening the emotional/financial effect of bad news.
常見錯誤
cushioning — noun
1. a soft material or layer that protects something against physical force or shock
a soft material or layer that protects something against physical force or shock, or that makes a difficult situation feel less severe.
The shipping box was lined with foam cushioning to protect the glass vase.
Gabriel's savings account acted as financial cushioning when the factory closed for repairs.
figurative: financial cushioning against unexpected hardship
The carpet provided soft cushioning for the toddlers who were just learning to walk.
Hamza added extra cushioning to the insoles of his hiking boots before the long trek.
A thick layer of mulch gives cushioning to flower bulbs planted close to the surface.
- padding
more general — can describe any soft filling material
- insulation
suggests protection against temperature or sound rather than physical force
- protection
broader; covers all kinds of shielding, not just physical
文法句型
usually uncountable: 'The box has cushioning inside.'
occasionally singular: 'a cushioning of foam'
用法筆記
Unlike the countable noun 'cushion' (a soft bag for sitting on), 'cushioning' is uncountable and refers to the padding material or protective function itself.
常見錯誤
cushioning — adjective
- cushioningpositive
- more cushioningcomparative
- most cushioningsuperlative
1. designed or able to reduce the force of an impact or pressure, making something
designed or able to reduce the force of an impact or pressure, making something more comfortable or safer.
The new jogging shoes have cushioning soles that reduce stress on the runner's knees.
Wren purchased a cushioning mat for the kitchen floor where she stands all day.
cushioning + noun (mat, sole, pad, layer, material)
Cushioning materials inside a bicycle helmet help protect the rider's head during a crash.
The child safety seat contains thick cushioning padding for long car journeys.
Luca inserted cushioning insoles into his work boots after standing eight hours a day.
- shock-absorbing
more technical; specifically implies reducing vibration or impact force
- protective
broader; covers all kinds of safeguarding, not just physical padding
- padded
suggests a built-in layer of soft material already attached
文法句型
cushioning + noun (material, sole, effect, layer, pad)
用法筆記
Only used attributively (before a noun) — you can say 'cushioning material' but not 'the material is cushioning' in the same sense.