What’s the meaning of middling?

“Middling” is an adjective that means “moderate or average” (e.g., “The restaurant received middling reviews”).

“Middling” is also used in the phrase “fair to middling”—sometimes misspelled as fair to Midland—which also means “moderate or average.”

It’s also an adverb meaning “fairly or moderately” (e.g., “He was middling successful in his new business venture”). This use is less common.

A QuillBot Grammar Check can make sure you’re using this word correctly.