middling
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈmɪd.lɪŋ/
KK: /ˈmɪd.lɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Not very good or bad; average in quality or size.
Example
The restaurant received middling reviews from the critics.
Conversation
How was the concert last night?
It was pretty middling, honestly. Not as good as I expected.
That's disappointing. I thought it would be amazing!
Yeah, some of the songs just felt average.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
average
mediocre
moderate
Antonyms
excellent
superior
exceptional
adverb
Definition
In a way that is average or moderate, neither very good nor very bad.
Example
The performance was middling, not impressive but not terrible either.
Conversation
How was the cake you made yesterday?
It turned out middling, not great but not terrible either.
I guess that's better than a total disaster!
noun
Definition
A type of product or commodity that is of average or intermediate quality, size, or grade, often used in specific regional contexts.
Example
The store sells a variety of middlings, including different grades of flour and pork cuts.
Conversation
Have you ever tried the middling bacon from that local butcher?
No, I haven't, but I've heard it's quite good.
It's really tasty, especially in breakfast sandwiches.
Root Explanation
Middling → It is formed from "middle" (from Old English "midde", meaning the center or midpoint) and the suffix "-ing" (used to form adjectives). The word "middling" refers to something that is in the middle or average in quality or size.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is at the 'center' ('middle') — that's why 'middling' means average or moderate.
Visually Confused Words
tiddling
riddling
piddling
meddling
maidling
fiddling
twiddling
riddlings