moribund

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "moribund" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is in a state of decline or near death, often referring to a person, organization, or industry. Example: "The once-thriving bookstore is now moribund, struggling to attract customers in the digital age."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What one sees in the West Midlands is a healthy manufacturing sector that is far from the moribund image often painted.

The Guardian - Business

At the very least it provides a merciful full stop on a period of profound deceleration since the false summit of the summer of 2012, when he capped his best season to date with a memorable back-heel scuff-flick winner against Sweden in Kiev, the high point of England's most energetic half-hour of an otherwise moribund European Championship.

The Guardian - Sport

US secretary of state John Kerry arrives in the Holy Land this week on his fourth visit in two months amid deepening scepticism on all sides about his chances of breathing life back into the moribund peace process, and an acknowledgement by European diplomats that there is no "Plan B" in place in the event of its failure.

The Guardian

A couple of years ago in Oxford he had spoken of the "almost moribund" New York theatre – "one straight play last year and that didn't repay the investors despite good reviews.

The Guardian

Whenever I flicked over throughout the night – which I did infrequently, and only through a sense of moribund duty – I was presented with the same sight; three men sitting around a table, grinding out the sort of excruciating small talk you make when your girlfriend goes to the toilet and you're left trapped in a room with her parents.

The Guardian

Thanks to allegations about the Unite union's activities in an apparently moribund local Labour party, Falkirk recently became a byword for Labour's forlorn position in Scotland.

The Guardian

Sounders FC still has the same problems (susceptible to the counter, moribund offense), but they also have the same advantages (stout run-of-play defense, individuals capable of greatness).

The Guardian - Sport

Although eurozone leaders are playing down the Kremlin visit, the talks are bound to further alienate foreign lenders propping up the moribund Greek economy.

The Guardian

But diplomacy, especially EU diplomacy, is visually moribund.

The Guardian

Its sales were fairly moribund until a movie tie-in deal was done with George Lucas a few years back.

The Guardian - Sport

Government forces and Russia-backed rebels fighting in eastern Ukraine have begun a "day of silence" in an attempt to revive a moribund ceasefire ahead of possible new peace talks.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "moribund" to describe entities or concepts that are not only declining but also nearing their end. This adds a sense of finality and urgency to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "moribund" to describe situations that are merely struggling or facing challenges; it should be reserved for conditions that are on the brink of complete failure or obsolescence.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "moribund" primarily functions as a descriptive word, modifying nouns to indicate a state of near death, obsolescence, or inactivity. Ludwig examples show its use in describing economies, industries, and even political processes, highlighting its versatility in conveying decline. Ludwig AI confirms that "moribund" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "moribund" is used to describe entities nearing their end, whether literally dying or figuratively obsolete. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and common across various high-quality sources. The analysis reveals that "moribund" is most frequently used in news, business, and scientific contexts to convey a sense of urgency and finality. When using "moribund", ensure that the subject truly reflects a state of near-complete decline, and consider alternatives like "declining" or "stagnant" for situations that are less severe.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

declining

Focuses on the process of losing strength or vitality.

in decline

Similar to declining but can refer to a gradual and ongoing decrease.

stagnant

Emphasizes a lack of progress or development.

expiring

Suggests a nearing end, particularly applicable to processes or agreements.

near its end

Simply stating that something is approaching termination or death.

obsolescent

Highlights the process of becoming outdated or no longer in use.

on its last legs

An idiomatic expression indicating something is nearing its end.

failing

Indicates a lack of success or effectiveness.

losing ground

Indicates a loss of advantage or position.

petering out

Implies a gradual decrease until something disappears completely.

FAQs

How to use "moribund" in a sentence?

You can use "moribund" to describe something that is approaching death or obsolescence, such as "The "moribund industry" struggled to adapt to new technologies".

What can I say instead of "moribund"?

You can use alternatives like "declining", "stagnant", or "expiring" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "moribund economy" or "moribund economic"?

"Moribund economy" is correct because "moribund" is an adjective that modifies the noun "economy". "Moribund economic" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "moribund" and "dying"?

While both terms suggest something is nearing its end, "moribund" often implies a state of inactivity or stagnation before death, while "dying" suggests a more active and immediate process of decline.