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fledgling

Adjective

IPA /ˈfledʒlɪŋ/

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Meaning in plain English

New and still developing, with limited experience or strength compared with something that is well established.

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Pronunciation

fledgling/ˈfledʒlɪŋ/

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A business has just started
Still learning and developing

A fledgling business is new and not yet well established.

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Our fledgling book club has only held two meetings so far.
The scheme offers advice to fledgling businesses during their first year.

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Our ________ book club has only held two meetings so far.

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fledgling — New and still developing, with limited experience or strength compared with something that is well established.

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New and still developing, with limited experience or strength compared with something that is well established.

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Word origin

From an older English adjective fledge, meaning ready to fly, formed on the pattern of nestling.

Did you know?

As a noun, fledgling refers to a young bird; the developing-business use draws on that image.

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