flagging — becoming tired, weaker, or less enthusiastic
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: becoming tired, weaker, or less enthusiastic
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈflæɡɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- After three hours of shopping, my mom's flagging patience finally snapped at the checkout line.
- The team's flagging morale improved after the pizza party.
- His flagging motivation to exercise vanished completely when he saw the gym was closed.
flagging
ADJECTIVE[/ˈflæɡɪŋ/]
becoming tired, weaker, or less enthusiastic
Marathon runners showed flagging energy as they struggled up the final hill at sunset.
Flagging energy, lagging pace, dragging feet forward
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'flagging' derives from 'flag,' which originated in Old Norse and initially referred to a banner or cloth. The sense of 'becoming tired or losing vigor' emerged from the visual metaphor of a flag drooping limply without wind, suggesting exhaustion or decline.
Breakdown
flag (banner, cloth; later: to droop or weaken) + -ing (present participle suffix indicating ongoing action or state).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“After three hours of shopping, my mom's flagging patience finally snapped at the checkout line.”
“The team's flagging morale improved after the pizza party.”
“His flagging motivation to exercise vanished completely when he saw the gym was closed.”
“The company's flagging profits worried the investors.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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