flail
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
While investment and consumption flail, China’s dollar-denominated exports power on, surging almost 20% year-over-year last month on demand for artificial intelligence and clean-energy products.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 16, 2026
With the USA bats continuing to flail against Rodriguez, the Venezuelans doubled their lead in the top of the fifth inning.
From Barron's ● Mar. 18, 2026
He opened the unlocked door of a police vehicle, climbed into the back and began to flail in distress.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 24, 2026
As a beginner, I expected the arms and hands to flail around, knocking the blocks and cups around the room.
From BBC ● Feb. 12, 2026
He moved into it and I heard him flail around.
From "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers
So much of his life is mediated though computer screens that, in person, he flails.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2024
When he flails the way he did in the playoffs last year, it’s bound to raise suspicions that he’s distracted or not entirely invested in the sport in which he makes his living.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 13, 2024
At times it’s hard to recognize the ascending superstar as he flails at pitches out of the strike zone and, despite his seemingly unflappable persona, shows unmistakable signs of pressing.
From Seattle Times ● May 4, 2023
Even here, within the safe space of his own overlong and clangy movies, he flails for an identity.
From New York Times ● Mar. 16, 2023
They beat it out with flails, he and the woman together.
From "The Good Earth" by Pearl S. Buck
The new storefronts have especially been a boon for malls, which flailed after the rise of online shopping.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
As time passed and no government help appeared, del Giudice became exasperated and flailed at the rubble.
From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026
Bovino flailed back at every affront instead of focusing on his mission, not realizing his recklessness was eroding public support for his cause and threatening it altogether.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 27, 2026
They attacked the game, while Rangers flailed wildly.
From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2025
She flailed a hand at Aru and Mini.
From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi
Sure, there are still areas where the monoculture is flailing.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026
"She came out with her two little arms flailing," family friend Rolando told AFP, asking to be identified by only his first name.
From Barron's ● Jun. 25, 2026
Or maybe Becerra was, indeed, a feckless, flailing and thoroughly awful Cabinet member, deserving of scorn and shame.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 31, 2026
A ball dropping, a defender flailing and a striker as cool as can be, cushioning the ball up and over a stranded goalkeeper.
From BBC ● May 23, 2026
Khanum Rezaei found her way to the center of the circle, where she danced with her headscarf in hand, flicking and flailing it around to the beat.
From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram
Vocabulary lists containing flail
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Diary of Anne Frank
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Touching Spirit Bear
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
