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.