Middling

/ˈmɪd.lɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An intermediate or average quality, especially in reference to something that is not considered exceptional.

The book has received middling reviews from critics and readers alike.

adjective

Of intermediate quality; not very good or very bad; average.

The restaurant was middling, with a few decent dishes but nothing particularly outstanding.

Moderate or average in amount, degree, or size.

His performance in the exam was middling, enough to pass but not impressive.

Of medium or average rank or status.

She comes from a middling family, neither wealthy nor impoverished.

From Middle English 'midlin', meaning 'medium, average'.

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

So-so or average; not great.

Her cooking was a bit middling, nothing special.

Lacking excitement or allure.

The movie was quite middling; I expected more action.