flailing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1General English, slightly more common in informal and descriptive registers.
Quick answer
What does “flailing” mean?
The action of waving or swinging one's arms and legs wildly, especially due to panic, lack of coordination, or struggle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of waving or swinging one's arms and legs wildly, especially due to panic, lack of coordination, or struggle.
More broadly, it means acting or operating in a desperate, uncontrolled, and unsuccessful manner, often when trying to handle a difficult situation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Slightly stronger connotation of desperation and ineffectiveness in AmE; slightly more literal/physical in BrE, though both senses are common in both.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “flailing” in a Sentence
flail (around/about) + [adverb/preposition]be flailing (in + noun phrase)flail + object (rare)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flailing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was flailing about in the deep end, so the lifeguard jumped in.
- The politician flailed at his opponents during the chaotic debate.
American English
- She flailed around in the sleeping bag, trying to get out.
- The boxer was just flailing after the first solid punch.
adverb
British English
- He ran flailing from the swarm of bees.
- She gestured flailing at the broken machine.
American English
- He swung flailing at the piñata.
- She tried flailing to get the teacher's attention.
adjective
British English
- His flailing attempts to start the car were amusing.
- We watched the flailing dancer with some concern.
American English
- Her flailing arms knocked over the lamp.
- The flailing company finally accepted a buyout.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorical: 'The new startup was flailing in a saturated market.'
Academic
Rare, except in literary analysis or descriptions of physical behaviour in psychology.
Everyday
Common for describing someone struggling in water, in a fight, or trying to complete a task under pressure.
Technical
Used in mechanics/physics to describe uncontrolled oscillation or vibration.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flailing”
- Using 'flailing' for emotional distress without the element of physical or metaphorical thrashing (e.g., 'She was flailing with sadness' is incorrect). Confusing spelling: 'flaling', 'fleiling'.
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'failing' (e.g., 'The project is flailing' implies chaotic struggle, not just lack of success).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very commonly used metaphorically. For example, 'a flailing business' or 'flailing in an interview' are standard uses.
They are very close synonyms. 'Thrashing' can imply more forceful, violent, or purposeful movement (e.g., thrashing a snake), while 'flailing' often emphasizes the uncoordinated, desperate, and ineffective nature of the movement.
Yes, though less common. 'The constant flailing of his arms was distracting.' It is primarily the present participle of the verb 'to flail', used verbally or adjectivally.
Not standard. 'Flailing' implies a struggle or lack of control due to difficulty or panic, not joy. A better phrase would be 'doubled over with laughter' or 'shaking with laughter'.
The action of waving or swinging one's arms and legs wildly, especially due to panic, lack of coordination, or struggle.
Flailing is usually general english, slightly more common in informal and descriptive registers. in register.
Flailing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfleɪ.lɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfleɪ.lɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “flailing about like a headless chicken”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FAILING swimmer whose arms are FLAILING.
Conceptual Metaphor
INEFFECTIVE ACTION IS UNCONTROLLED PHYSICAL MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'flailing' used correctly?