moribund

[mawr-uh-buhnd, mor-]

adjective

1. in a dying state; near death.

   He arrived at the hospital moribund, and passed away a few hours later.

2. on the verge of extinction or termination.

   moribund species, largely due to human encroachment on their natural habitat.

3. not progressing or advancing; stagnant.

   a moribund political party.

moribund

/ ˈmɒrɪˌbʌnd /

adjective

1. near death

2. stagnant; without force or vitality

Other Word Forms

• moribundity noun
• moribundly adverb
• unmoribund adjective
• unmoribundly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of moribund¹

First recorded in 1715–25; from Latin moribundus “dying,” equivalent to mori- (stem of morī “to die”) + -bundus adjective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of moribund¹

C18: from Latin, from morī to die

Example Sentences

NBC joins the effort to inject life into what has become a moribund endeavor.

From Los Angeles Times

He threw himself into rebuilding a moribund organisation, launching a membership drive and preparing the party for the next election.

From BBC

At the same time there was no concrete plan to turn round the country's moribund economy.

From BBC

Perhaps the most obvious impact has been the sudden revival of Canada’s previously moribund Liberal Party.

From Los Angeles Times

At the same time, its moribund economic prospects mean that it can’t ignore any opportunity to earn hard currency.

From Los Angeles Times