withering

American  

[with-er-ing] / ˈwɪð ər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. scathing; deeply humiliating; contemptuous.

2. causing harm or loss of vitality; damaging.

3. (of plants) wilting or shriveling up, such as from disease or lack of moisture.

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Explanation

Withering is the process of becoming weaker. You can watch the withering of a flower bouquet in water — over the days and weeks, the blossoms become droopy and faded. You might talk about the withering of trees in a drought or the withering of people's bank accounts during an economic recession. Withering can also be used as an adjective, to describe something with a terrible, destructive strength, like a withering hurricane. It comes from the verb wither, to dry up or shrivel, from the Old English word wydderen, which is a variation on wederen, "to expose to the weather."

Example Sentences

But, unbeknownst to many observers at the time, Graham was enduring even more withering pressures, with determination that was all the more impressive for being almost entirely invisible.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Attorney for the District of Columbia, and federal Judge James Boasberg did so in withering fashion.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

“Undertone” is packed with plenty of similarly ridiculous plot points that deflate if you even so much as toss a withering glance their way.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

And the latest additions add to the depth Vanney will need to weather a withering schedule.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 18, 2026

Volta threw Chomsky a withering glare, then spoke to Rowan with far more patience.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman