What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
flailing
Example
The drowning man was flailing his arms wildly, trying to stay afloat. [flailing: verb]
Example
She was flailing around in the dark, trying to find the light switch. [flailing: present participle]
Example
The drummer was flailing his arms and sticks, keeping the beat with the music. [flailing: gerund]
floundering
Example
The new employee was floundering in her job, unsure of what to do next. [floundering: present participle]
Example
He was floundering in the deep snow, unable to find his way back to the trail. [floundering: verb]
Example
The company was floundering due to the economic downturn, unable to keep up with the competition. [floundering: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Floundering is more commonly used than flailing in everyday language, especially in non-physical contexts such as business or personal struggles. Flailing is less common and often associated with more dramatic or intense situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between flailing and floundering?
Both flailing and floundering are informal words, but floundering can be used in more formal contexts such as business or academic writing, while flailing is more commonly used in casual conversation or storytelling.
