languishing

American  

[lang-gwi-shing] / ˈlæŋ gwɪ ʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. becoming languid, in any way.

2. expressive of languor; indicating tender, sentimental melancholy.

   a languishing sigh.

3. lingering.

   a languishing death.

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Other Word Forms

• half-languishing adjective
• languishingly adverb
• unlanguishing adjective

Etymology

Origin of languishing

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; languish, -ing ²

Example Sentences

Former DOJ prosecutors told ProPublica that they typically reviewed caseloads every six months with supervisors and that closing out languishing cases wouldn’t ordinarily be cause for concern.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

But it’s “the physical action of showing up,” the effort McCarthy makes to rekindle languishing friendships that goes a long way in proving just how much these friendships mean.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

"If you look at the rest of the stock market, it's just languishing."

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

Energy stocks have followed rising oil prices, which were languishing in the danger zone for many American producers before climbing this year as tensions flared in the Middle East.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

“No, Colonel,” Milo said, with a long, languishing, wistful sigh, “it isn’t very good. Although it’s very generous of you to say so.”

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller