Standard Lemma guide

flailing

adj · noun · verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈfleɪlɪŋ/
  • rhymes with -eɪlɪŋ
  • CMU ARPABET: F L EY1 L IH0 NG Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

adj

Meaning 1

Having a lack of coordination, control, or successful outcome.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • A flailing economy has left the country exposed to hyperinflation.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A flailing action or motion.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • The drowning man's flailings soon attracted the lifeguard's attention.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

present participle and gerund of flail

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: form-of, gerund, participle, present

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.