flagging

adjective

flag·​ging ˈfla-giŋ How to pronounce flagging (audio)
also ˈflā-
Synonyms of flaggingnext
1
2
: becoming progressively less : dwindling
flagging demand for the product
flaggingly adverb

Examples of flagging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Fed cut interest rates at three consecutive meetings late last year in an effort to boost the flagging labor market. Max Zahn, ABC News, 13 Jan. 2026 Trump has also enlisted the help of Vice President JD Vance, who visited Pennsylvania at the end of 2025, as the administration seeks to bolster its flagging economic favorability ahead of the midterms. Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026 More recently, the flagging real estate market has made people skittish. Jessica Garrison, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026 China's rollout of measures to boost its flagging birth rate remains patchy and inconsistent, a team of researchers has found. Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flagging

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of flagging was in 1545

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flagging.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flagging. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

flagging

noun
flag·​ging
ˈflag-iŋ
: a pavement of flagstones
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