droop

USAGE SUMMARY

"droop" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a verb meaning "to hang or bend down weakly," as in the sentence: The flowers drooped in the heat of the afternoon sun.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When I looked in the mirror and saw the downward droop of my mouth I realised I'd had a stroke".

The Guardian

Nor is it that objects of perception are intrusive in an electric way as they are under mescalin or lysergic acid… It is that the perceiving turns inward, the eyelids droop, the blood is aware of itself".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

When the glass starts to droop they pull it out and begin work.

The Guardian - Money

Brewers' droop A legal bombshell Natural selection Keep calm and carry on The Midlandstand The death of meritocracy ReprintsMany investors are wary of putting money into the euro-denominated funds that many British buy-out firms raise.

The Economist

The same poll found that 42% would back Labour at the next general election and 29% would support the SNP, a lead of only 13 points, compared with 23 points in the 1997 general election.Labour's droop owes nothing to the most typical cause of political collapse: the Scottish economy is doing well and the unemployment rate, at 5.2%, is the lowest for 25 years.

The Economist

Brewers' droop A legal bombshell Natural selection Keep calm and carry on The Midlandstand The death of meritocracy ReprintsWeaker sterling and rising wages in China help matters.

The Economist

Ever since, it has suffered from continual droop, punctuated by the occasional outright collapse.

The Economist

In "Bambi", where he excelled himself with the pathos of the fawn discovering his mother dead in the snow, or acknowledging with a slight, shy droop of the head the magnificence of his father, or stumbling through the forest on legs as thin as the grass, he found the face too bland, and the nose too short, to register as much as he wanted.

The Economist

Far from benefiting from the government's discomfiture, Lionel Jospin, the Socialists' dull leader, has seen his own popularity droop to Mr Juppé's level: six out of ten people believe the Socialists offer "no serious alternative .Tentative signs of economic recovery, aided by a strong dollar, may gradually be softening the nation's mood.

The Economist

Its executives talk about betting the house on the deal.Brewers' droopMost analysts were sceptical from the start, and sales of Miller's beers continued to droop.

The Economist

Brewers' droop A legal bombshell Natural selection Keep calm and carry on The Midlandstand The death of meritocracy ReprintsFor months there has been angry scrutiny of the sums paid to the bosses of public or publicly controlled bodies, from the BBC to the railways and the bailed out Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a loss of energy or enthusiasm, use "droop" to convey a sense of gradual decline rather than a sudden collapse.

Common error

While "droop" is acceptable in many situations, avoid it in highly formal or technical writing where more precise terms like "decline" or "diminish" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "droop" is as a verb, describing the action of something hanging or sinking downwards. It can also function as a noun, referring to the state or condition of drooping. Ludwig examples illustrate both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "droop" is a versatile word primarily used as a verb or noun to describe a downward movement, decline, or loss of energy. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. It’s commonly found in news and media, as well as encyclopedic sources, indicating a neutral register suitable for various contexts. While generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing where more precise terms might be preferred. Related phrases include "sag", "wilt", and "decline", each carrying slightly different nuances. Remember to use "droop" to convey a gradual decline rather than a sudden collapse for more impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sag

Refers to a downward curve or decline, often due to weight or weakness.

slump

Implies a sudden or significant decline, often in posture or condition.

wilt

Specifically refers to plants losing their rigidity and freshness.

hang down

A more literal description of something suspended and falling downward.

decline

Indicates a gradual deterioration or decrease in quality or strength.

sink

Suggests a gradual descent or collapse.

fall

A general term for moving downward, can imply a loss of status or position.

subside

Indicates a decrease in intensity or level.

descend

Refers to a movement from a higher to a lower level.

weaken

Indicates a loss of strength or vitality, leading to a decline.

FAQs

How can I use "droop" in a sentence?

You can use "droop" to describe something hanging or bending downwards, like "The flowers began to "wilt" and droop in the sun", or to express a loss of energy, such as "His spirits began to droop after the bad news".

What's a synonym for "droop"?

Alternatives for "droop" include "sag", "slump", "wilt", or "decline", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "droop" when referring to a person's mood?

Yes, it is correct. "Droop" can be used to describe a person's mood or spirits declining, indicating a loss of enthusiasm or happiness. For example, "Her smile began to "fade", and her shoulders drooped".

What is the difference between "droop" and "collapse"?

"Droop" implies a gradual downward movement or decline, while "collapse" suggests a sudden and complete falling or failure. For example, flowers droop over time, but a building collapses suddenly.