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
Phrases with languish
Example
Despite his talent, he languished in obscurity for years before finally achieving success.
Example
He languished in prison for 20 years before being exonerated.
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'
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.'
