flagging
UK: ˈflæɡɪŋ | US: ˈflæɡɪŋ
adj. becoming weaker or less energetic; declining in vigor
v. (present participle of flag) marking or signaling something for attention
flagging = flag<to decline or mark> + ing<present participle suffix>
- flag (from Old Norse flögra, "to flutter weakly," later evolving to mean "lose energy" or "mark with a flag")
- ing (English suffix indicating ongoing action or state)
Etymology Origin:
The word flagging combines the verb flag (originally describing weak fluttering, like a drooping flag) with the suffix -ing to denote an ongoing state. Over time, flag expanded to include marking (as with flags) and weakening (like a fading signal). The dual meanings reflect physical and metaphorical decline.
His enthusiasm was flagging after hours of work.
The team is flagging problematic entries in the database.
She noticed the flagging energy of the audience.
The runner’s pace was flagging in the final mile.
Flagging outdated files helps maintain system efficiency.