languish

verb

ˈlaŋ-gwish How to pronounce languish (audio)
Definition of languishnext
as in to fade
to lose bodily strength or vigor older people, especially, were languishing during the prolonged heat wave

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of languish State officials want to push comparable legislation that has languished in the legislature for several years. — Ira Porter, Christian Science Monitor, 14 Oct. 2026 At least 250 people have languished in prison for five years or longer while waiting for their lawyers to act. — Samantha Melamed, ProPublica, 13 Oct. 2026 Since then, Canada’s aerospace industry has largely languished. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 1 Oct. 2026 Some of the world’s best soccer stars and managers suddenly started signing for a club that had been languishing in mediocrity for some time. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for languish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languish
  1. fade
  2. weaken
  3. go
  4. sag
  5. fail
  6. sink
  7. wither
Verb
  • Brown, though, didn't quite let perception fade away a couple of days later.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The question now is whether shoppers counting every dollar will keep paying for products like cashmere-soft diapers once the novelty fades and if inflation keeps biting.
    — Phil Wahba, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of fade
Verb
  • Conditions were expected to improve Saturday afternoon as winds weakened, with fair and dry weather forecast for the remainder of the weekend.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • As trust in America weakens further, other wealthy nations will make the same calculation.
    — Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of weaken
Verb
  • Since then, the Buffaloes have gone 18-26, including a 9-4 effort from a 2024 roster that including his son Shedeur Sanders, who is now with the Cleveland Browns, and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, now with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Pat Dowell, 3rd, and others have called the session for Monday to have the council clarify that the $75 million will go toward the city’s pensions now.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of go
Verb
  • Aside from obvious fixes like leaking ceilings and sagging floors, the layout, which was chopped up into a warren of tight quarters, needed a full gut to allow the space to breathe and gain more light.
    — Juliet Izon, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The formula also has jojoba-seed extract, which is rich in vitamins to help soothe and tone, as well as turmeric root extract, which works to combat redness and discoloration that can come along with sagging.
    — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sag
Verb
  • The controversy emphasized how California, where shelters are overflowing with animals, failed to regulate private rescue groups.
    — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • However, these efforts have so far failed to significantly alter investor perception.
    — , CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of fail
Verb
  • The legend goes that on foggy nights, during the full moon, those standing at the Cooksey Drive Overlook in Seal Harbor, just outside Acadia National Park, can hear the slaves in the hold of a sinking ship crying for help.
    — Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The company's bond prices sank late last week, while its stock is down roughly 50% year to date.
    — Scott Schnipper, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of sink
Verb
  • Those offseason moves, combined with the injuries, have withered the depth that had allowed Presti to be patient in trade negotiations during previous seasons, without feeling a need to make splashy midseason acquisitions.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Canada doubled down on its historic 24-21 win in Toronto last week with sustained defensive pressure and a withering three-try burst in nine minutes around the hour mark.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of wither

Browse Nearby Words

languidness
languish
languished
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Cite this Entry

“Languish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languish. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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