Pining: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used to describe a deep emotional longing, often associated with sadness or melancholy, especially for someone or something that is no longer present.

• She was pining for her hometown after moving to the big city.
• He spent years pining for his first love.

Often refers to a deep, enduring desire for something that is usually out of reach or difficult to obtain. It can be emotional or spiritual in nature.

• He felt a longing to return to his childhood home.
• She looked at the old photograph with a sense of longing.

Describes an intense, often restless desire for something, which can be physical or emotional. There is sometimes a sense of desperation or frustration in this feeling.

• He was yearning for freedom after years of confinement.
• She felt a yearning to explore new places.

Used to describe a strong desire or need for something, usually physical or related to consumption, such as food or certain experiences.

• She was craving chocolate all day.
• He had a sudden craving for adventure.

This word has already been described earlier in the list.

Used to describe a process of gradual decrease or reduction, often in quality, health, or importance. It can be used in various scenarios including businesses, health, or societies.

• The company's profits have been in decline for five years.
• He experienced a gradual decline in health as he aged.

Refers to the gradual process of breaking down or rotting away of organic matter, or metaphorically can describe a decline in moral or social standing.

• The old house fell into decay after years of neglect.
• There is concern about the moral decay in our society.

Refers to the process of becoming progressively worse, typically applied to physical conditions or situations. It suggests a negative change in state.

• There was visible deterioration in the building's structure.
• The patient's condition showed rapid deterioration.