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Added 9 October 2026

middling

/ˈmɪdlɪŋ/ adjective

In Latin: mediocris Wiktionary

adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about middling at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Of intermediate or average size, position, or quality; mediocre.
The football team is never the worst or best in its league; its position is always middling.
In fairly good health.

adverb

Fairly, moderately, somewhat.
Not too badly, with modest success.

noun

Something of intermediate or average size, position, or quality. Preceded by the: people of moderate means; members of the middle class.
Preceded by the: people of moderate means; members of the middle class.

Origin

The noun is probably from middle (noun) + -ing; the adjective is most likely derived from the noun, and the adverb from the adjective.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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