flagging

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Slowly losing energy, strength or enthusiasm.

   Grammar: Usually before a noun: flagging energy, flagging sales.

   Patterns

   • flagging energy
   • flagging enthusiasm
   • flagging interest

   The coach tried to revive his team's flagging spirits.

   Sales of the old model were flagging badly.

   With flagging energy, she climbed the last hill.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounbusiness

   Used of an economy, business or effort that is growing weaker over time.

   Grammar: Often describes money or business: a flagging economy.

   Patterns

   • flagging economy
   • flagging campaign

   The government introduced measures to boost the flagging economy.

   The flagging campaign needed fresh ideas.

   Flagging attendance forced the theater to close early.

Common combinations

flagging spirits

A cup of tea lifted my flagging spirits.

flagging energy

She pushed on despite flagging energy.

flagging interest

The teacher noticed the class's flagging interest.

flagging economy

The new road was meant to help the flagging economy.

flagging sales

The firm launched a sale to fight flagging sales.

Synonyms and how they differ

waning

Waning suggests a gradual natural decline, like the moon, while flagging suggests tiredness.

dwindling

Dwindling points to numbers getting smaller, while flagging points to energy getting weaker.

failing

Failing is stronger and suggests the thing may stop completely.

fading

Fading suggests becoming less clear or bright, not only less energetic.

Opposites

Word family

flag verb

to become tired or weaker, as in her energy began to flag

flagged verb

past form of flag, meaning grew weaker

unflagging adjective

never growing tired or weaker, as in unflagging support

Commonly confused: flagging or flagging (marking)?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “flagging”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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