flagging: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “flagging” mean?
Becoming tired or less energetic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Becoming tired or less energetic; slowing down; declining in strength or effectiveness.
Marking something for attention; a process of identifying, such as marking emails or comments for review.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use both primary and secondary senses. 'Flagging' as declining is slightly more common in UK formal contexts (e.g., 'flagging spirits'). The transitive 'flagging' (marking) is equally common in business/tech contexts.
Connotations
Neutral to slightly formal when describing decline. The marking sense is technical/administrative.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency; more common in written English (news, reports) than casual speech.
Grammar
How to Use “flagging” in a Sentence
[Subject] is flagging.to flag [something] for [attention/review][Subject] flagged [Object] as [status].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flagging” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team's performance is flagging in the final quarter.
- The council is flagging the potholes for repair.
American English
- Her enthusiasm flagged after the third rejection.
- The system is flagging potential security breaches.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe declining performance metrics, e.g., 'flagging quarterly sales'.
Academic
Used in social sciences to describe waning public interest or support for a policy.
Everyday
Used to describe personal energy, e.g., 'My concentration is flagging.'
Technical
In computing/data management: the act of marking records, emails, or data points for special attention.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flagging”
- Using 'flagging' to mean 'waving a flag' (incorrect).
- Confusing spelling: 'flaging' (missing 'g').
- Using as a noun for a small flag (incorrect; that's 'flaglet' or 'pennant').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The verb 'to flag' can mean to wave a flag to signal, but the present participle/adjective 'flagging' almost never carries that meaning. It primarily means becoming tired or less strong.
It is neutral to slightly formal. It's common in news, business, and academic writing. In casual speech, people might say 'getting tired' or 'slowing down' instead.
They are synonyms, but 'flagging' often implies a loss of energy, vigour, or enthusiasm from a previous stronger state. 'Declining' is broader and more neutral, covering any downward trend.
In IT, 'flagging' is the action of marking an item (email, log entry, user) with a tag or status (like 'important', 'spam', 'follow-up required') for automated or manual review.
Becoming tired or less energetic.
Flagging: in British English it is pronounced /ˈflæɡɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈflæɡɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms with 'flagging' as the headword.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a flag on a windless day: it hangs limply, without energy—'flagging' energy.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENERGY/STRENGTH IS A FLAG; A FLAG WITHOUT WIND IS TIREDNESS/DECLINE.
Practice
Quiz
In a business report, 'flagging market share' most likely means: