flailing

[ˈfleɪlɪŋ]

flailing Definition

• 1. waving or swinging wildly, especially with force or without control
• 2. struggling or moving awkwardly or ungracefully

Using flailing: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "flailing" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The drowning man was flailing his arms wildly.

• Example

  The injured bird was flailing on the ground.

• Example

  The boxer was flailing his arms in an attempt to knock out his opponent.

flailing Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for flailing

• thrashing
• floundering
• tossing
• waving
• swinging

Antonyms for flailing

• controlled
• graceful

Phrases with flailing

• flailing around

  moving or acting without purpose or direction

  Example

  He was flailing around trying to find his phone.

• flailing about

  moving or acting without control or coordination

  Example

  The toddler was flailing about in the water before her mother rescued her.

• flailing arms

  wildly waving arms in an uncontrolled manner

  Example

  The dancer's flailing arms were part of her performance.

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Summary: flailing in Brief

The term 'flailing' [ˈfleɪlɪŋ] describes wild or uncontrolled movements, often with force or without grace. It can refer to physical actions like 'The drowning man was flailing his arms wildly,' or more abstract concepts like 'flailing around,' meaning moving without purpose or direction. 'Flailing' can also describe a lack of coordination, as in 'The toddler was flailing about in the water.'