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Definitions

middling

[mid-ling] / ˈmɪd lɪŋ /
ADJECTIVE
adequate, okay
Synonyms
STRONGEST
mediocre passable run-of-the-mill so-so
STRONG
average common fair good intermediate mean medium moderate okay ordinary
WEAK
all right conventional decent fairish indifferent mid modest tolerable traditional unexceptional unremarkable
Antonyms
STRONGEST
excellent exceptional superior
STRONG
abnormal bad extraordinary extreme noble uncommon unreasonable unsuitable unusual

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.

But then, what does such recognition mean in an industry where original storytelling and concepts are diminished or obscured by mountains of middling?

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

January 2026 has seen a somewhat middling window.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

He rolled into Los Angeles with a reputation as a middling owner who would put a lukewarm product on the field.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

Many analysts expect middling growth, at best, because pre-tariff buying won’t offer the boost to sales it did this year.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025

Big dragons, small dragons, dragons of middling size.

From "The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill