Plain English Meaning

The airplane is right on the edge of stalling but hasn't stalled yet. The pilot recognizes the early warning signs and recovers before the wing stops flying.

Full Definition

A flight condition in which the airplane is approaching a stall but has not yet stalled, with the wing's angle of attack near, but still below, the critical angle of attack. Recognition cues typically include reduced airspeed, light buffet, sluggish controls, and activation of the stall warning device. Recovery is initiated at the first indication, before the wing actually stalls.