languishes

VERB

droop; become dull, listless

Synonyms

STRONGEST

deteriorate dwindle fail faint rot suffer weaken wither

STRONG

brood decline desire despond ebb fade fag flag grieve hanker hunger long pine repine sicken sigh snivel sorrow tucker waste wilt yearn

WEAK

be disregarded be neglected conk out die on vine fag out fizzle out go soft go to pieces knock out waste away

Antonyms

STRONGEST

build develop grow

STRONG

be happy delight despise dislike hate improve increase rise strengthen

WEAK

flourish

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Official readouts and state media reports have not said whether Xi and Kim discussed North Korea's nuclear weapons development, for which Pyongyang languishes under international sanctions.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

Tortora, meanwhile, languishes in squalid jail cells and a country with only a casual regard for habeas corpus.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

Jenner is likely taking a significant financial hit on the property as it languishes on the market.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 17, 2026

Discovery has attracted interest from activist shareholders as the company’s stock languishes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2025

The one thrives and arrives at perfection, whilst the other languishes and dies.

From Martyria or Andersonville Prison by Hamlin, Augustus C.