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languish

[ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ]

languish Definition

  • 1to become weak or feeble; lose strength or vigor
  • 2to be or become weak or dull, as light or color
  • 3to live under distressing conditions or in a state of neglect or decline

Using languish: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "languish" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The plants were languishing in the dry soil.

  • Example

    He was languishing in prison for years before he was finally released.

  • Example

    The company's profits have been languishing for years.

  • Example

    The town languished for decades after the factory closed down.

  • Example

    She languished in bed all day, too weak to get up.

languish Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for languish

Antonyms for languish

Phrases with languish

  • to remain unknown or unnoticed

    Example

    Despite his talent, he languished in obscurity for years before finally achieving success.

  • to remain in prison for an extended period of time

    Example

    He languished in prison for 20 years before being exonerated.

  • languish in poverty

    to live in poverty for an extended period of time

    Example

    Many families in the area have been languishing in poverty for generations.

Origins of languish

from Old French 'languiss-', stem of 'languir', from Latin 'languere', meaning 'be weak or faint'

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Summary: languish in Brief

The verb 'languish' [ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ] means to become weak or feeble, to be or become weak or dull, or to live under distressing conditions or in a state of neglect or decline. It can refer to physical or emotional states, as well as to situations or organizations. Examples include 'The plants were languishing in the dry soil,' and 'The company's profits have been languishing for years.'