Meaning & Definition of word "Middling"
Middling
/ˈmɪd.lɪŋ/
noun:
- 1. An intermediate or average quality, especially in reference to something that is not considered exceptional.
- Example: The book has received middling reviews from critics and readers alike.
adjective:
- 1. Of intermediate quality; not very good or very bad; average.
- Example: The restaurant was middling, with a few decent dishes but nothing particularly outstanding.
- 2. Moderate or average in amount, degree, or size.
- Example: His performance in the exam was middling, enough to pass but not impressive.
- 3. Of medium or average rank or status.
- Example: She comes from a middling family, neither wealthy nor impoverished.
Etymology
●From Middle English 'midlin', meaning 'medium, average'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
a middling success:
a success that is average or not particularly noteworthy
middling quality:
quality that is neither bad nor good; average
between the middling:
situated in between extremes; moderate
Related Words
median:
the middle value in a set of data
middleness:
the quality of being in the middle
middle:
the center point or part of something
Slang Meanings of middling
Meaning: So-so or average; not great.
● Example Sentence: Her cooking was a bit middling, nothing special.
Meaning: Lacking excitement or allure.
● Example Sentence: The movie was quite middling; I expected more action.