Languish: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is used to describe someone or something becoming weak or failing to progress over time, often due to neglect or unfavorable conditions.

• The plants began to languish without sufficient sunlight.
• The project languished due to lack of funding.

This word is used to describe experiencing pain, distress, or hardship. It has a strong, negative connotation.

• Many people suffer during times of war.
• She suffers from chronic pain.

Often used to describe someone or something becoming gradually weaker and thinner, usually due to illness or neglect. It has a sad and often negative connotation.

• After months of illness, she began to waste away.
• The neglected house seemed to waste away over the years.

This word carries an emotional connotation and implies a deep, often prolonged desire or sadness, usually due to missing someone or something.

• She pined for her hometown every day she was abroad.
• He pined for the days when he was young and carefree.

Used when describing a situation where there is no advancement or improvement, typically in a neutral sense.

• Despite their efforts, the team continued to lack progress on the task.
• The negotiations lacked progress and remained at a standstill.

Used when describing someone or something that is suffering from being in an unpleasant or undesirable situation for a long time. It often carries a connotation of decline or deterioration.

• The prisoners continued to languish in the overcrowded cells.
• She languished in her unhappy marriage until she finally sought help.

Used when something stays in a place or condition without change. This word is neutral and doesn't have any negative or positive implications by itself.

• Please remain seated until the end of the presentation.
• The tradition has remained the same for centuries.

Similar to 'remain', but more often used in everyday language. It typically describes someone or something not leaving a place or situation.

• You can stay at my house for the night.
• Why don't we stay here and finish the project?

Appropriate when talking about someone or something being restricted to a certain area or space. This is often due to rules, illness, or other limiting factors.

• After the surgery, he was confined to bed for two weeks.
• Due to the pandemic, many people were confined to their homes.

Primarily used when someone or something is unable to move or progress, often temporarily. It can apply to both physical situations and problems or dilemmas.

• The car was stuck in the mud after the heavy rain.
• I am stuck with this math problem and need some help.