Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Being on the point of death; breathing your last: Describes a person or living thing that is dying or about to die.
   • Not growing or changing; without force or vitality: Describes something (like an institution, industry, or practice) that is in a state of decline, stagnation, or inactivity, and is no longer effective or progressive.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Literal - near death):

  • The veterinarian could do nothing for the moribund animal.
  • He was found moribund at the scene of the accident.

• Adjective (Figurative - in decline):

  • The industry is moribund, with no innovation in decades.
  • They tried to revive the moribund tradition.

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe abstract concepts: Commonly applied to systems, customs, or economies that are failing or obsolete.
  • The peace talks are moribund, with neither side willing to compromise.
• Often implies a terminal state: Suggests that the end (death or cessation) is imminent and inevitable, not just a temporary slump.

Variants and Related Words

• Moribundity (noun, rare): The state of being moribund.
  • The moribundity of the old political system was evident to all.

Synonyms

• Dying: Close to death (literal); ceasing to exist (figurative).
• Declining: Decreasing in strength or quality.
• Stagnant: Not active or growing; often foul from lack of movement.
• Obsolescent: Becoming obsolete or out of date.

Antonyms

• Thriving: Growing or developing well and vigorously.
• Vibrant: Full of energy and life.
• Flourishing: Developing rapidly and successfully.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• On its last legs: An idiom meaning very old, weak, or near the end of its useful life, similar to the figurative sense of "moribund."
  • That old car is on its last legs.
• At death's door: An idiom meaning very close to death, similar to the literal sense of "moribund."
  • After the illness, he was at death's door for weeks.

Adjective

1. being on the point of death; breathing your last
   • a moribund patient
2. not growing or changing; without force or vitality