languished

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "languished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of suffering, decline, or prolonged distress, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After years of neglect, the once-thriving community languished in poverty and despair."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

History wars, reading wars, wars for adults to fight as quality and equity in education languished.

The Guardian

The Mikhailovsky is half the size of the Bolshoi and has always languished in the shadow of St Petersburg's older and more illustrious Mariinsky Ballet.

The Guardian

He charts the club's revival to an excruciating afternoon at Hillsborough on the final day in 2009-10, when the club languished in administration with its very existence on the line.

The Guardian - Sport

After the March ballot, Rudd said there were "no circumstances" in which he would return to the leadership, but as Labor's primary vote languished at 29% and showed no signs of improving, his backers launched yet another desperate last-minute push.

The Guardian

Most have never been seen before by anyone but the photographer and all have languished for decades in a vault.

The Guardian - Arts

Steve Burke, a former Disney executive who used to run ABC, and who is now Comcast Cable's president, also stressed the need to revitalise Disney's animation business, which has languished of late.

The Economist

It was pushed back several times while the economy languished: the deficit was originally to have been closed before next year's general election.

The Economist

His predecessor in this post languished in the bowels of North Block, a colonial edifice in Delhi.

The Economist

But as Mr Abbott's government has languished in opinion polls for much of 2014, failing to steer some key provisions from its first budget through the Senate, it is hoping this get-tough policy on asylum-seekers will score it political points.

The Economist

Hospitals rotted: even many of the missions languished.

The Economist

Although the market for commercial aircraft languished, the company's military arm made useful gains.Funny businessViacom announced profits of $443m in the first quarter.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "languished" to convey a sense of prolonged decline or suffering, especially when describing institutions, relationships, or abstract concepts that lose vitality over time. It adds a layer of depth beyond simpler terms like "declined" or "weakened".

Common error

Avoid using "languished" in situations where a simpler word like "declined" or "diminished" would suffice. "Languished" carries a connotation of suffering and prolonged neglect, which might be inappropriate for minor or temporary setbacks.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "languished" is as the past tense of the verb "languish". As shown by Ludwig, it describes a state of prolonged suffering, decay, or neglect. It often acts as the predicate in a sentence, indicating what happened to the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "languished" effectively portrays prolonged decline or suffering. It is grammatically correct and commonly used in news and media. While suitable for formal contexts, it should be used thoughtfully to ensure it appropriately reflects the severity of the situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is important to understand the nuance of "languished" compared to simpler alternatives like "declined", using it to add depth and emotional resonance to your writing, which can be suitable in formal or neutral settings but excessive in informal conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declined

Indicates a gradual deterioration or decrease in quality or condition.

deteriorated

Suggests a worsening condition or decay over time.

withered

Implies a loss of vitality and freshness, often used metaphorically.

suffered

Highlights the experience of enduring hardship or distress.

stagnated

Emphasizes a lack of progress or development, remaining inactive.

faded

Suggests a gradual loss of color, brightness, or importance.

decayed

Indicates a process of rotting or decomposition.

weakened

Implies a reduction in strength or power.

atrophied

Describes the wasting away of a body part or tissue, used metaphorically for skills or systems.

wasted away

Suggests a gradual decline in health or vitality, often due to neglect or hardship.

FAQs

How can I use "languished" in a sentence?

You can use "languished" to describe something that has suffered, declined, or deteriorated over a period of time. For example, "The project "languished" due to lack of funding" or "The once vibrant community "languished" after the factory closed."

What are some alternatives to "languished"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "declined", "deteriorated", "withered", or "stagnated". Each word carries slightly different nuances, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "languished" in formal writing?

Yes, "languished" is suitable for formal writing, especially when conveying a sense of prolonged suffering or decline. However, ensure that the context aligns with the word's connotation to avoid inappropriate use.

What is the difference between "languished" and "declined"?

"Declined" generally indicates a reduction or decrease, while "languished" implies a more profound and prolonged state of suffering or neglect. Something that has "languished" has not merely decreased; it has suffered and lost vitality over time.