languish
US /ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪʃ/
UK /ˈlæŋ.ɡwɪʃ/

1.
schmachten, dahinvegetieren
to suffer from being forced to remain in an unpleasant place or situation
:
•
The prisoners languished in the dungeon for years.
Die Gefangenen schmachteten jahrelang im Kerker.
•
Many people languish in poverty.
Viele Menschen schmachten in Armut.
2.
verkümmern, dahinsiechen
to lose or lack vitality; grow weak or feeble
:
•
The plants began to languish in the drought.
Die Pflanzen begannen in der Dürre zu verkümmern.
•
His career began to languish after the scandal.
Seine Karriere begann nach dem Skandal zu verkümmern.