lingering death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lingering death" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a slow or prolonged process of dying, often evoking a sense of suffering or inevitability. Example: "The patient experienced a lingering death, surrounded by loved ones who offered comfort during their final moments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most face a slow, lingering death.

The Economist

First, Leap was allowed a lingering death.

The Guardian - Business

"It's been a slow, lingering death," Mr. Wheeldon added.

The New York Times

"You didn't want to be responsible for someone making love and then dying a lingering death.

The New York Times - Health

In 1890, the Justices said that the process could not include "torture or a lingering death".

The New Yorker

A buying opportunity for some, a lingering death for the sector.

The Economist

Horribly mistreated, she stabs herself and dies a lingering death, dumped in a sewer.

The Guardian - Music

"The NI problem is going to go through a lingering death.

The Guardian

Plus, Hodgson had to deal with the lingering death of the Gillett-Hicks administration.

The Guardian - Sport

Europeans recoiled from what appeared to be a gruesome, lingering death, citing it as evidence of a uniquely Oriental ruthlessness.

The New Yorker

Perhaps the lingering death of the FA Cup has been dictated as much by circumstances as malevolence.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lingering death", consider the emotional impact. It evokes a sense of prolonged suffering and should be used when this aspect is relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "lingering death" in situations that are not inherently serious or life-threatening. Its strong connotations can be inappropriate or melodramatic if applied to trivial matters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lingering death" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "lingering" modifies the noun "death". It describes a specific type of death characterized by its prolonged and often painful nature. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lingering death" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a slow and protracted dying process, as verified by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it's used to describe both literal deaths and the metaphorical decline of entities. While versatile, it's important to consider the serious connotations of the phrase and ensure its appropriateness for the given context. Alternative phrases like "gradual decline" or "slow demise" can be considered for less intense situations. It's also worth noting that "lingering death" stands in contrast to "sudden death", which denotes an immediate and unexpected end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protracted demise

Focuses on the drawn-out nature of the end, similar to "lingering death".

slow demise

Highlights the slowness of the process, similar to "lingering death".

gradual decline

Emphasizes the gradual deterioration leading to death or failure, mirroring the drawn-out aspect of "lingering death".

drawn-out dying process

Directly refers to the extended duration of the dying process, similar to "lingering death".

long-term suffering

Highlights the prolonged period of pain and distress before death, akin to the prolonged aspect of "lingering death".

agonizing decline

Emphasizes the painful aspect of the deterioration before death or failure.

terminal decline

Specifically refers to an irreversible decline leading to death or the end of something.

slow deterioration

Focuses on the gradual decay or decline, without necessarily implying death but suggesting a negative progression.

progressive weakening

Highlights the steady loss of strength and vitality leading to an eventual end.

extended period of dying

Directly states the extended duration of the dying phase.

FAQs

How can I use "lingering death" in a sentence?

You can use "lingering death" to describe a prolonged and often painful process of dying, as in, "The patient experienced a "lingering death" after years of battling the disease." It can also be used metaphorically to describe the slow decline of something.

What's a less dramatic alternative to "lingering death"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "gradual decline", "slow demise", or "protracted decline" which convey a similar meaning with less emotional intensity.

Is "lingering death" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "lingering death" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in journalistic or academic contexts where a detailed description of a prolonged dying process is necessary. However, consider the tone and audience to ensure it aligns with the overall message.

What is the difference between "lingering death" and "sudden death"?

"Lingering death" refers to a drawn-out process of dying, often involving prolonged suffering. In contrast, "sudden death" describes an immediate and unexpected death, offering no period of decline or suffering.