Flaking Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈfleɪking/ ️

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A process of weakening or losing strength, stability, or integrity, often used to describe the breakdown or degradation of materials, structures, or systems.

Examples

• The paint on the walls started flaking off after a few years.
• The team’s performance has been flaking due to injuries and lack of practice.

Synonyms

• Flaking off
• Deterioration
• Weakening

Antonyms

• Strengthening
• Consolidation

Etymology

The word “flaking” originates from the Old English words “flæc” and “flæce”, meaning “scale” or “flake”. It has been used in the English language since the 15th century to describe the process of scaling or flaking off.

Usage Notes

The word “flaking” is often used in context with materials such as paint, rust, or mold, where it refers to the gradual breakdown or detachment of these substances. It can also be used metaphorically to describe the weakening or deterioration of abstract concepts, such as reputation or relationships.

Cultural References

• The phrase “flaking out” was popularized in the 1990s by the TV show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”, where the character Carlton Banks would often exclaim “Flaking out!” when someone was acting erratically.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Flake out
• Scale off
• Come off in flakes

Related Words or Phrases

• Peeling
• Scaling
• Deterioration

Collocations

• Flaking off paint
• Flaking rust
• Flaking surfaces

Frequency of Use

The word “flaking” is relatively uncommon in everyday conversation, but it is often used in technical or professional contexts, particularly in industries related to materials science, construction, or maintenance.