languished

past tense of languish

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 languished Their claims have languished for years or been rejected; one claimant has waited more than nine years. — Jieun Baek, Foreign Affairs, 30 Oct. 2026 But in the decade since, the project languished and Mana never got underway on the development that would have replaced the venue currently on the site. — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 Small caps have languished in correction territory amid broader market volatility. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 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 Sentiment throughout this year has languished at unusually low levels, below anything seen during the Great Recession, 9/11 and foreign wars. — Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 11 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languished
Verb
  • This wasn't my first root touch-up rodeo, and other kits just haven't been able to stamp out all my truly stubborn, pain-in-the-ass grays, and/or the color has faded away in a week or two.
    — Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 1 Nov. 2026
  • That turmoil faded as President Joe Biden tightened immigration enforcement after Trump clamped down even more.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • After the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act, Alabama Republicans redrew Shomari Figures’ district, cutting its Black voting-age population from 48% to 40%.
    — Kim Chandler, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Eisenkot's allies could also try to reverse legislation advanced by Netanyahu's government that critics say weakened Israel's democratic institutions and judicial independence.
    — Itay Stern, NPR, 30 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The roof of the Fulchers’ house sagged, and a child’s handprints were still visible on the ceiling.
    — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In the grayness that should have been sunrise that morning, dark clouds sagged baggily over the very treetops, bulging as if ready to split under their liquid weight.
    — Gerald R. Hunter, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The company generated $70 billion in free cash flow in the first half of this year, while AMD totaled just over $4 billion and Google parent Alphabet went cash flow negative in the second quarter to fund its buildout.
    — Kif Leswing,Isabel O'Brien, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Napoli went ahead again in the 83rd minute thanks to a second from McTominay — who also scored twice in Tuesday's 4-3 win over Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Bridget Carleton blocked a shot by Copper and grabbed the rebound with 12 seconds to go, then sank two free throws for a four-point lead after Copper fouled her.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • On their first two trips to the property, the enormity of the task at hand—and their utter naiveté in taking it on—sank in.
    — Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • But Willis’ pass to Greg Dulcich was incomplete on a two-point conversion attempt and Miami failed to recover an onside kick.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Unfortunately, as this series notes, the federal government has failed to meaningfully address this crisis affecting families and communities across Illinois and beyond.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languished.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languished. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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