languish

as in to fade
to lose bodily strength or vigor older people, especially, were languishing during the prolonged heat wave

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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 Despite the Supreme Court's ruling, the case has appeared to languish. Faris Tanyos, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2025 Maryland ratepayers could save hundreds of dollars a year on their electric bills if the regional power grid operator could speed up approval of energy projects, some of which have languished for five years in the current system. Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 16 Apr. 2025 Max Verstappen, meanwhile, never really threatened the leaders and languished in sixth after suffering two slow pit stops. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025 The Khans viewed Coen’s energy and fresh approach as the perfect remedy for their languishing franchise. Mike Jones, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for languish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languish
Verb
  • Hope for a similar easy resolution for the Wentz family quickly faded.
    Mara Bovsun, New York Daily News, 3 May 2025
  • The issue of student rights has faded from headlines, though obstacles linger.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • As more state legislation is passed that weakens or eliminates longstanding fire and life safety codes, the need for young workers who are trained and passionate about reversing these trends is high.
    Jim Pauley, Forbes.com, 28 Apr. 2025
  • The pests set about sucking the sap from grape roots, slowly weakening them and opening wounds that invited disease.
    The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • After the Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards poked the proverbial bear, Doncic turned his game up a notch, scoring 31 points to go with 12 rebounds and nine assists (on a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line) to give the Lakers a 94-85 victory in Game 2, evening the series.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Louisiana Louisiana’s law went into effect Jan. 1 requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, but the state hasn't issued guidance on what documentation residents need.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Consumer confidence is sagging as shoppers are fatigued by inflation and the impact of tariffs.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 1 May 2025
  • The continued flouting of production quotas could keep oil prices sagging, even after US President Donald Trump signalled a potential U-turn on his trade war with China.
    Amy Gunia, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Even though the measure failed in Bensenville, at least 163 communities around the state have recently enacted local grocery taxes.
    Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2025
  • That effort cost Obama's party control of the U.S. House of Representatives, while Republicans failed in their own bids to repeal the law.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 4 May 2025
Verb
  • That’s contributed to U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin, which makes F-35 fighter jets, sinking 15% since Trump’s election, while BAE Systems, which also produces fighter jets, has soared.
    Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The Boston guards sank the Magic in Game 1, but Brown and Porziņģis did much of the scoring in Game 2 before Derrick White found his rhythm in the fourth quarter.
    The Athletic NBA Staff, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And sure, delivering a withering comeback would feel satisfying in the moment, but in most situations — especially professional ones — that’s not the move.
    John Bowe, CNBC, 1 May 2025
  • Rafael van der Vaart, formerly of Real Madrid, offered perhaps the most withering assessment during a discussion of the incident on Dutch TV channel Ziggo Sports.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Languish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languish. Accessed 9 May. 2025.

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