Languish

Languish

Definition

Meaning:

The verb "languish" denotes a state of prolonged suffering, decline, or deterioration, often characterized by a lack of energy, vitality, or progress. When something or someone languishes, they experience a sense of stagnation, neglect, or unfulfilled potential. The term can be applied to a wide range of contexts, including physical, emotional, and environmental situations. In a physical context, "languishing" might refer to a person's health deteriorating or a plant wilting due to a lack of care or nourishment.

On an emotional level, "languishing" signifies a sense of being trapped in a state of listlessness, apathy, or unfulfilled desires. A person might languish in a monotonous job, feeling unchallenged and uninspired. In a broader societal contexts, communities or regions can languish when they face economic decline, a lack of opportunities, or environmental degradation, resulting in declining infrastructure and quality of life.

The concept of "languishing" is often associated with a feeling of helplessness, as those experiencing it may struggle to find the motivation or means to escape their state of suffering or decline. It's important to recognize and address such situations to provide the necessary support and intervention to help individuals, communities, or systems recover and thrive once again.

Example sentences
The neglected garden languished without water, and the plants withered.
The project languished for months due to a lack of funding.
The old painting languished in the attic, hidden from view.
The beautiful seaside resort now languishes as a forgotten ghost town.
His creativity began to languish as he grappled with writer's block.