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Definition of middling

middling

/ˈmɪd.lɪŋ/
mid · dling
Adverb:middlingly
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middling Lexical Profile

middling Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Moderate or average in size, amount, or rank; neither very good nor very bad in quality.

Example

"The restaurant received middling reviews from local food critics despite its ambitious menu."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adverb

1

To a moderate or partial degree; fairly or moderately.

Example

"The small boutique was only middling successful during its first year of operation."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for middling

• Nearby Words

middlegame
middleman
middleweight
middling
middy
midfield
midfielder

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-16th century, formed from the Old English root 'middel' (meaning 'middle') combined with the suffix '-ing' or '-ling' to denote something of intermediate size, rank, or quality.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Middling. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/middling
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