withering

American  

[with-er-ing] / ˈwɪð ər ɪŋ /

adjective

1. scathing; deeply humiliating; contemptuous.

2. causing harm or loss of vitality; damaging.

3. (of plants) wilting or shriveling up, such as from disease or lack of moisture.

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Explanation

Withering is the process of becoming weaker. You can watch the withering of a flower bouquet in water — over the days and weeks, the blossoms become droopy and faded. You might talk about the withering of trees in a drought or the withering of people's bank accounts during an economic recession. Withering can also be used as an adjective, to describe something with a terrible, destructive strength, like a withering hurricane. It comes from the verb wither, to dry up or shrivel, from the Old English word wydderen, which is a variation on wederen, "to expose to the weather."

Example Sentences

Government forces would either have to expose themselves to withering attacks in an attempt to reclaim the territory or allow an ever-increasing area to come under dissident control and armed infiltration across the country.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 15, 2026

“Undertone” is packed with plenty of similarly ridiculous plot points that deflate if you even so much as toss a withering glance their way.

From Salon • Mar. 15, 2026

The woeful record of the national men's team is also evidence for withering comments and the malaise is well-documented.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

Other recent instances in which ICE and Border Patrol agents claimed they used force in self-defense have come under withering scrutiny.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

“Hold the wagon, Marietta,” Von Marsh said with a withering scowl.

From "Dactyl Hill Squad" by Daniel José Older