Languish: meaning, definitions and examples

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languish

[ ˈlæŋɡwɪʃ ]

^{Context #1}

in a state of suffering or neglect

To languish means to be in a state of suffering, neglect, or despondency. It can also refer to a lack of progress or growth. When someone languishes, they are often experiencing a sense of hopelessness or despair.

Synonyms

lack progress, pine, suffer, waste away

Examples of usage

She languished in the dark prison cell for years.
The old building languished in disrepair for decades.
After the breakup, he began to languish in loneliness.
The abandoned dog languished in the shelter, waiting for a new home.
The company continued to languish despite efforts to revive it.

^{Context #2}

to be forced to remain in a place

To languish can also mean to be forced to remain in a place, often due to external circumstances. This can imply a sense of confinement or restriction, as if one is unable to move or progress.

Synonyms

be confined, be stuck, remain, stay

Examples of usage

She languished in her hometown, unable to afford to leave.
The refugees languished in the camp, waiting for aid to arrive.
He languished in the small town, dreaming of bigger opportunities.
The patient languished in the hospital, eager to go home.
The workers languished in the factory, hoping for better conditions.

Translations

Translations of the word "languish" in other languages:

🇵🇹 definhar

🇮🇳 दुर्बल होना

🇩🇪 schmachten

🇮🇩 merana

🇺🇦 чахнути

🇵🇱 marnieć

🇯🇵 萎える (naeru)

🇫🇷 languir

🇪🇸 languidecer

🇹🇷 zayıflamak

🇰🇷 시들다 (sideulda)

🇸🇦 يذبل

🇨🇿 chřadnout

🇸🇰 chradnúť

🇨🇳 憔悴 (qiáocuì)

🇸🇮 hirati

🇮🇸 dvína

🇰🇿 саркылу

🇬🇪 გაფუჭება

🇦🇿 solmaq

🇲🇽 languidecer

Word origin

The word 'languish' has its origins in the Latin word 'languere', which means 'to be weak or faint'. It entered the English language in the 14th century and has evolved to encompass both physical and emotional states of suffering. Over time, 'languish' has come to be associated with a sense of longing, despair, and stagnation.