Languished: meaning, definitions and examples

emotional state

To languish means to suffer from being forced to stay in an unpleasant situation or state. It suggests a sense of weakness, neglect, or deterioration, often associated with a longing for something better. When someone languishes, they may feel a sense of hopelessness or depression while yearning for improvement or relief. This term can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts, indicating a decline in well-being or vitality.

decay, deteriorate, waste away, wilt

Examples of usage

• He languished in the hospital for weeks.

• The project languished due to lack of funding.

• She felt her ambitions languishing without support.