Languish Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Verb

Definition

To become weak or feeble, especially through lack of use or exercise.

Examples

• If we don’t use our muscles, we risk them languishing.
• A neglected garden can languish without proper care.

Etymology

From Old English langian, “to languish” or “to be weak”.

Usage Notes

Languish is often used in the context of describing something’s physical or mental state, such as a person’s health or a plant’s condition.

Cultural References

Languish has been used in various literary works, including Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and “The Tempest”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Languish in obscurity
• Languish in the shadows

Related Words or Phrases

• Weaken
• Atrophy
• Sack

Collocations

• Languish in silence
• Languish without hope
• Languish in darkness

Frequency of Use

Languish is a relatively uncommon verb in modern language, but it is still used in various contexts to describe something’s decline or weakening.

Common Misspellings

• Lingish
• Langwijsh