Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Limp and drooping due to loss of freshness or vitality; not firm or crisp. This describes the state of plants, flowers, or leafy vegetables that have lost their turgor pressure and become flaccid, often from lack of water, heat, or age.

Usage

The adjective wilted is used to describe the physical condition of something, typically vegetation, that was once fresh and firm but has now become soft, limp, and often droopy. It indicates a loss of vigor and freshness.

Examples

• The wilted flowers in the vase needed to be thrown out.
• After a day in the hot sun without water, the entire garden looked wilted.
• She tried to revive the wilted basil leaves by soaking them in ice water.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: While less common, "wilted" can be used figuratively to describe a person or their energy/enthusiasm as diminished or exhausted.
  • After the long meeting, his enthusiasm was completely wilted.

Variants and Related Words

• Wilt (verb): To become limp and drooping; to lose strength or vigor.
  • The plants will wilt if you don't water them.
• Wilting (adjective or present participle): The process of becoming wilted.
  • The wilting heat of the afternoon was unbearable.

Synonyms

• Limp
• Drooping
• Flaccid
• Faded (when referring to loss of color or vitality)

Antonyms

• Fresh
• Crisp
• Firm
• Turgid (botanical term for firm due to water pressure)

Related Phrases

• Wilted greens: A culinary term for leafy vegetables that have been cooked or dressed until they become soft.
  • The salad called for wilted greens with a warm bacon dressing.

Adjective

1. not firm
   • wilted lettuce