Languish
hardLANG-gwish
verb
Definition
To lose or lack vitality; to suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation
Examples
“The prisoners languished in jail for years without trial.”
“Her career languished after the scandal.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Languish is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "wither" or "decline" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "thrive".
Related GRE Words
atrophy
To waste away or deteriorate, especially from lack of use
wane
To decrease in vigor, power, or extent; become weaker
dwindle
To diminish gradually in size, amount, or strength
deteriorate
To become progressively worse
degenerate
To decline or deteriorate physically, mentally, or morally
enfeeble
To make weak or feeble
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