flagging

adjective

flag·​ging ˈfla-giŋ How to pronounce flagging (audio)
 also  ˈflā-
1
2
: becoming progressively less : dwindling
flaggingly adverb

Examples of flagging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Chinese policymakers face mounting challenges to boost a flagging economy, including how to stabilise the property sector, counter deflationary pressures, reverse foreign capital outflows, and save a battered stock market. Laura He, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 That trend accounts for much of the Army’s overall flagging recruitment levels, the analysis found. Laura Gersony, The Arizona Republic, 20 Jan. 2024 China has largely avoided direct stimulus to boost its flagging economy, as officials resort to slashing interest rates and taxes instead of direct support to households. Bynicholas Gordon, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2023 The American diplomat’s criticism comes as Hong Kong tries to bolster its position as an international business center and attract tourists to boost its flagging economy. Alan Wong, Fortune Asia, 2 Mar. 2024 The doctor recommends water therapy for Ray’s flagging muscles, and the swimming pool proves more effective than anyone might have guessed. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 Jan. 2024 The urgency of that period was clear in an email that Morris wrote to accountants and Biden about Biden’s outstanding tax returns on Feb. 7, 2020, three weeks before the elder Biden’s victory in the South Carolina primary revived his flagging campaign. Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 10 Jan. 2024 Authorities have ruled out the use of massive stimulus to revive the flagging economy, leaving traders wondering when things will improve. Abhishek Vishnoi, Fortune Asia, 20 Jan. 2024 But the lifting of the blockade, even if temporary, is likely to bring some relief to Ukraine’s flagging economy, which is heavily dependent on exports of raw materials such as grain. Constant Méheut, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flagging.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flagging was in 1545

Dictionary Entries Near flagging

Cite this Entry

“Flagging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flagging. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

flagging

noun
flag·​ging
ˈflag-iŋ
: a pavement of flagstones
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!