The difference between Middling and So-so

When used as adverbs, middling means fairly, moderately, somewhat, whereas so-so means neither very well nor very poorly.

When used as adjectives, middling means of intermediate or average size, position, or quality, whereas so-so means neither good nor bad.


Middling is also noun with the meaning: something of intermediate or average size, position, or quality. preceded by the: people of moderate means.

check bellow for the other definitions of Middling and So-so

  1. Middling as an adjective:

    Of intermediate or average size, position, or quality; mediocre.

    Examples:

    "The football team is never the worst or best in its league; its position is always middling."

  2. Middling as an adjective (colloquial, regional, _, Britain):

    In fairly good health.

  1. Middling as an adverb (colloquial, regional, _, Britain):

    Fairly, moderately, somewhat.

  2. Middling as an adverb (colloquial, regional, _, Britain):

    Not too badly, with modest success.

  1. Middling as a noun (plural):

    Something of intermediate or average size, position, or quality. Preceded by the: people of moderate means; members of the middle class.

  1. So-so as an adjective (informal):

    Neither good nor bad; tolerable, passable, indifferent.

    Examples:

    "The dessert was pretty good, but the meal was so-so."

  1. So-so as an adverb (informal):

    Neither very well nor very poorly.

    Examples:

    "He performed so-so during the tryouts, and the coach was undecided whether to add him to the team or not."