Sagging: meaning, definitions and examples

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sagging

 

[ˈsæɡɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

clothing

Hanging down loosely or droopingly.

Synonyms

drooping, hanging, sinking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sagging

Use this word when something is hanging down due to loss of firmness or strength. Usually implies a slow process.

  • The old mattress was sagging in the middle.
  • Her shoulders were sagging with exhaustion.
drooping

This word is suitable when something is hanging down, often due to tiredness, weakness, or lack of support. Often used to describe plants or parts of the body.

  • The flowers were drooping in the heat.
  • His eyelids were drooping after a long day.
hanging

Use this word when something is suspended in the air or from a particular point, often freely.

  • The painting was hanging on the wall.
  • She was hanging the laundry out to dry.
sinking

This word is best used when something is going down into a lower position, often into a liquid or softer material.

  • The boat was slowly sinking into the water.
  • His feet were sinking into the wet sand.

Examples of usage

  • The sagging pants were a popular fashion trend among teenagers.
  • The old curtains were sagging from the weight of years of dust and neglect.
Context #2 | Verb

structure

To sink or bend downward by weight or pressure.

Synonyms

bend, droop, slump.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sagging

Same as the first entry for 'sagging'. Sometimes used interchangeably with 'droop' but usually refers more to physical structures or features.

  • The ceiling is sagging due to water damage.
  • His pants were sagging down below his waist.
droop

Often used to describe something hanging downwards in a limp or weak manner. This can include plants, body parts, or emotional states.

  • The flowers in the vase started to droop after a few days.
  • He walked in with his shoulders drooping in exhaustion.
slump

Typically used to describe a decrease or downturn, often in performance, mood, or physical posture. It carries a stronger negative connotation.

  • The company's profits have slumped this quarter.
  • She slumped into the chair, completely exhausted.
bend

Applied when something is curving or changing direction. It can describe physical objects or abstract concepts like bending rules.

  • The road bends sharply to the left.
  • You need to bend the wire to shape the sculpture.

Examples of usage

  • The roof began to sag under the weight of the heavy snow.
  • The wooden floorboards were sagging in the middle, causing a trip hazard.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Middle English 'saggen,' which means to sink or droop.
  • It first appeared in the English language around the late 14th century, originally describing physical qualities.
  • Over time, 'sagging' has been applied to various contexts, including furniture, clothing, and even emotions.

Psychology

  • Researchers have found that sagging body language can indicate insecurity or lack of confidence.
  • In therapy, discussions about 'sagging' can metaphorically represent feelings of burden or emotional weight.
  • Many cultures interpret sagging postures or expressions as a sign of sadness or fatigue.

Fashion

  • In clothing, sagging originated as a style in the 1990s, particularly in hip-hop culture, where pants are worn low on the hips.
  • Some brands have capitalized on 'sagging' styles, turning perceived clumsiness into a fashion statement.
  • Despite its popularity, sagging can also lead to debates about appropriateness in various social settings.

Health

  • In physical health, sagging skin is often discussed in relation to aging, where collagen and elasticity diminish over time.
  • Sagging can also occur in various body parts, often prompting individuals to seek cosmetic procedures.
  • It's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to minimize the effects of sagging skin and muscles.

Home Decor

  • In home design, sagging ceilings or floors can indicate structural issues that may need professional attention.
  • Furniture quality is often determined by its resistance to sagging over time, affecting comfort and aesthetics.
  • Homeowners often use support beams or braces to prevent sagging in older buildings.

Translations

Translations of the word "sagging" in other languages:

🇵🇹 caimento

🇮🇳 झुकाव

🇩🇪 Absacken

🇮🇩 melorot

🇺🇦 провисання

🇵🇱 opadanie

🇯🇵 たるみ (tarumi)

🇫🇷 affaissement

🇪🇸 caída

🇹🇷 sarkma

🇰🇷 처짐 (cheojim)

🇸🇦 ترهل

🇨🇿 pokles

🇸🇰 pokles

🇨🇳 下垂 (xiàchuí)

🇸🇮 povešanje

🇮🇸 sig

🇰🇿 салбырау

🇬🇪 დაცემა

🇦🇿 sarkma

🇲🇽 caída

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,493, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.