languished

Languished is the past tense and past participle of the verb languish. To languish means to undergo neglect or improper care, leading to weakness, deterioration, or a loss of vitality. It can also describe a state of prolonged suffering or confinement, often without hope.

In a broader sense, languish can refer to a decline in strength, spirit, or vigor. Something that has languished has likely been left in a state of neglect or inactivity for a significant period, resulting in its weakened condition. For example, a plant that has languished due to lack of water will appear wilted and unhealthy. Similarly, a person who has languished in prison might be described as having languished due to the oppressive and demoralizing environment.

The word often implies a passive state of suffering or decline rather than an active struggle. It suggests a slow fading or weakening over time. When something languishes, it is not thriving; instead, it is existing in a diminished capacity. The concept of languishing can extend to abstract things as well, such as a hope that has languished or a project that has languished due to lack of attention.