Synonyms of languish

languish

verb

ˈlaŋ-gwish 

as in to fade

to lose bodily strength or vigor

older people, especially, were languishing during the prolonged heat wave

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fade
• weaken
• go
• sag
• fail
• sink
• wither
• decay
• deteriorate
• wilt
• droop
• lag
• waste (away)
• emaciate
• flag
• rot
• wear out
• yield
• break down
• degenerate
• run down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• recover
• recuperate
• rebound
• rally
• gain
• convalesce

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of languish

Beneath the balcony, this street, witness to and confidante of the entire twenty-three years of these young people’s lives, was languishing in the fragrant July night, densely thronged with strolling city dwellers even now. — Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, New Yorker, 27 Sep. 2026

The Clarity Act, which would establish a new regulatory structure for cryptocurrencies and other digital assets, has languished in the Senate for months. — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

The Senate's farm bill, an omnibus piece of legislation rolled out every five years that governs everything from rural development and crop insurance to nutrition programs, has languished in committee during McConnell’s absence. — Keely Doll, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026

Last year, Quad Cities lawmakers got funding for the languishing passenger rail line included as part of the massive transit rescue plan for the Chicago area that passed in last fall’s session. — Daniel C. Vock, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026