Meaning & use
flailing
Last updated
Moving or swinging the limbs about wildly and without control.
See it in a sentence
The swimmer was flailing his arms in a panic before the lifeguard reached him.
The company has been flailing since it lost its biggest client.
A note on using this word
Figuratively used to describe a person, business, or plan that is struggling badly and without clear direction.
Words with a similar meaning
thrashingfloundering
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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