moribund

[ mawr-uh-buhnd, mor- ]

adjective

1. in a dying state; near death:

   He arrived at the hospital moribund, and passed away a few hours later.

2. on the verge of extinction or termination:

   moribund species, largely due to human encroachment on their natural habitat.

3. not progressing or advancing; stagnant:

   a moribund political party.

moribund

/ ˈmɒrɪˌbʌnd /

adjective

1. near death
2. stagnant; without force or vitality

Derived Forms

• ˌmoriˈbundity, noun
• ˈmoriˌbundly, adverb

Other Words From

• mori·bundi·ty noun
• mori·bundly adverb
• un·mori·bund adjective
• un·mori·bundly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of moribund¹

First recorded in 1715–25; from Latin moribundus “dying,” equivalent to mori- (stem of morī “to die”) + -bundus adjective suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of moribund¹

C18: from Latin, from morī to die

Example Sentences

His last coaching job was at Nevada Las Vegas, where he temporarily revived a moribund program.

From Los Angeles Times

The collective, known as the West Coast Get Down, helped revive the formerly moribund L.A. jazz scene and created a pipeline of young talent.

From Los Angeles Times

And when the veteran Rams receiver returned to the lineup Thursday night after a four-game absence, the recently moribund offense anticipated a welcome jolt.

From Los Angeles Times

The Biden administration, including Harris as vice president, promised to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in moribund coal towns.

From Los Angeles Times

AltaSea is bringing new purpose to a previously moribund wharf that once played a rich part in the evolution of Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times