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Moribund: meaning, definitions and examples

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moribund

 

[ ˈmɒrɪbʌnd ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

state of decline

The term 'moribund' refers to a state of stagnation or decline, often associated with something that is close to death or extinction. It can describe anything from a business in financial trouble to a cultural practice that is no longer observed. In literature or conversation, calling something moribund often implies that it is outdated and has little chance of revival. The word captures a sense of hopelessness and inevitable demise.

Synonyms

declining, dying, extinct, fading, obsolescent

Examples of usage

  • The moribund industry was struggling to adapt.
  • His enthusiasm was moribund after the failure of the project.
  • The once-thriving town now stood in moribund silence.

Translations

Translations of the word "moribund" in other languages:

🇵🇹 morrendo

🇮🇳 मृतप्राय

🇩🇪 sterbend

🇮🇩 sekarat

🇺🇦 вмираючий

🇵🇱 umierający

🇯🇵 衰退した

🇫🇷 moribond

🇪🇸 moribundo

🇹🇷 ölüme yaklaşan

🇰🇷 죽어가는

🇸🇦 محتضر

🇨🇿 umírající

🇸🇰 umierajúci

🇨🇳 垂死的

🇸🇮 umirajoč

🇮🇸 dauðvona

🇰🇿 өліп бара жатқан

🇬🇪 კვდომადი

🇦🇿 ölümcül

🇲🇽 moribundo

Word origin

The word 'moribund' has its origins in the Latin word 'moribundus', which means 'dying' or 'on the verge of death'. This Latin term is derived from 'mori', which means 'to die'. The usage of 'moribund' can be traced back to the 17th century when it began appearing in English literature. Initially applied primarily in medical contexts to describe patients on the brink of death, its usage gradually expanded to encompass a wider range of declining entities. Today, 'moribund' is often used metaphorically to describe not just physical decay, but also cultural or social phenomena that seem to lack vitality or relevance. The evolution of the term reflects broader societal changes where decline can signify both literal dying and metaphorical obsolescence in various aspects of life.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,428, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.