1
Near biological death
In the final stage before death.
Example
The treatment briefly stabilised the moribund tree.
moribund
/ˈmɒrɪbʌnd/ · MOR-ih-bundadjective
Approaching death or becoming inactive, obsolete, or defunct.
Use moribund for an organism near death or, more often, an institution, practice, or industry that has almost ceased to function.
What moribund Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Dying institution
Still existing formally but barely active.
Example
New leadership attempted to revive the moribund association.
3
Obsolete practice or industry
Losing relevance, participation, or economic activity.
Example
Digital photography left the local film-processing trade moribund.
Use moribund Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The treatment briefly stabilised the moribund tree.
New leadership attempted to revive the moribund association.
Digital photography left the local film-processing trade moribund.
Precision Matters
Moribund overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
moribund
vs.Is close to disappearing.
resurgence
Is a return to activity—the contrast.
moribund
vs.May have existed for a long time before decline.
ephemeral
Exists only briefly.
moribund
vs.Lacks the strength to recover.
resilient
Recovers effectively after difficulty.
moribund
vs.Describes what is being displaced or dying.
supplant
Describes the act of replacing it.
Test moribund in Context
The newspaper still exists but is close to ceasing operation.
1
By the time new investors arrived, the regional newspaper was nearly ___: circulation had collapsed, most staff had left, and publication had become irregular.