languish

Definition of languishnext
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 That patchwork system, known as home- and community-based services, has long been stretched thin, with hundreds of thousands of people languishing on waiting lists nationally. Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 15 May 2026 The sound of boos reverberating around the Racecourse Ground so early on — this for a club who were very recently languishing in mediocrity three divisions lower — further exemplifies why Wrexham have become the new love-to-hate. Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 14 May 2026 The bill had languished on the calendar for weeks with no action. Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 14 May 2026 Both agreed to be exiled, yet both still languish behind bars. Dana Taylor, USA Today, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for languish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languish
Verb
  • Shows end and fame fades, but the beef stands will stay slinging.
    Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
  • The notion that men shouldn’t wear makeup is tired, and finally fading.
    Christian Allaire, Vogue, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • The weakened 65-year-old cartel will remain with its five original members—Iran, Iraq, and Venezuela, as well as the Saudis and Kuwaitis—and six oil-producing African nations.
    Jordan Blum, Fortune, 19 May 2026
  • This can weaken and compromise your home’s structural integrity, which could lead to safety hazards and expensive repairs.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Shania Twain, are airing live on Prime Video and Amazon Music from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, meaning some of the genre's biggest stars are going home with new accolades under their belts.
    Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 18 May 2026
  • Matching the anything-goes vibe that flows through the resort, the breezy restaurant pavilion is merely a suggestion—ordering lunch or dinner to your private terrace, a candlelit table on the beach, or one of the dozen-or-so secret seating nooks scattered around the property is actively encouraged.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
Verb
  • Trump’s sagging approval rating comes as Democrats have a chance at outperforming Republicans in midterms, with an Emerson poll taken in late April showing Democrats with a 10-point advantage on the generic congressional ballot, though 10% of voters are undecided.
    Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
  • In Game 2, the Cavaliers sagged off Hart, daring him to shoot 3-point attempts.
    Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • Three of five flights of Starship V2 failed last year, but SpaceX avoided lengthy groundings and reeled off all five launches in a period of nine months.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2026
  • The genre at large, especially in its broadcast form, failed pretty spectacularly to make its three-ring circus of topical comedy, celebrity kibitzing, and live music thrive under ringmasters who weren’t white, male, middle-aged avatars of our societal default.
    Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • But after Republicans amended the bill, including its definition of women, Democrats sank it in a vote of 216 to 204.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 22 May 2026
  • Don't leave dirty dishes and food waste in your dishwasher or sink for an extended period, especially overnight.
    Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 22 May 2026
Verb
  • In recent years, however, the vaccine program withered amid cuts in health spending, the Covid pandemic and a botched restructuring of the national medical system.
    Mary Beth Sheridan, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
  • What becomes clear is that Yesteryear is not actually the withering critique of faux-trad influencers it’s been marketed as.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Languish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/languish. Accessed 24 May. 2026.

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