How to pronounce middling
Say it like MID-uh-ling. Middling has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MID).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce middling. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- MID
- uh
- ling
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Middling pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- MIDSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of middling
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
British respelling: MID-ling.
What does middling mean?
- Something of intermediate or average size, position, or quality.
- Preceded by the: people of moderate means; members of the middle class.
- Of intermediate or average size, position, or quality; mediocre.“The football team is never the worst or best in its league; its position is always middling.”
- In fairly good health.
- Fairly, moderately, somewhat.
- Not too badly, with modest success.
Where does middling come from?
The noun is probably from middle (noun) + -ing; the adjective is most likely derived from the noun, and the adverb from the adjective.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying middling
How do you pronounce middling?
Say MID-uh-ling. The American pronunciation is /ˈmɪdəlɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈmɪdlɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in middling?
Middling has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (MID). Broken into parts: MID · uh · ling.
Is middling pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈmɪdlɪŋ/ (MID-ling).