flail
noun
an instrument for threshing grain, consisting of a staff or handle with a freely swinging stick or bar attached to one end of it.
has been flailing
-
present perfect progressiveof flail (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Now a respected New Yorker magazine writer promoting his forthcoming book on the U.S. wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Michael is contacted by Lou, who has been flailing since returning to the States.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026
A controversial subscription service plan, Twitter Blue, has been flailing, drawing less than 1% of the user base.
From Seattle Times ● May 12, 2023
China, the world’s largest carbon emitter, began this currency-shaking crackdown because it has been flailing in its climate goals.
From Slate ● Jun. 28, 2021
The show has been flailing ever since Negan’s introduction and Glenn’s death.
From The Verge ● Dec. 4, 2017
Josh has been flailing for a few episodes: panic attacks, manic episodes, living in squalor in an empty house.
From New York Times ● Dec. 21, 2015
