English Reference
Verb

wilt

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈwɪɫt/ UK /wˈɪlt/ wilt

v.to become weak and bend toward the ground because of heat or a lack of water. You can also use it to describe a person who loses energy or confidence.

v.to become limp and drooping, especially as a result of heat, dehydration, or disease. When applied to people, it describes a loss of vitality, courage, or resolve.


SIMPLE

The flowers will wilt if you do not water them.

CONTEXTUAL

After three hours of hiking in the midday sun, the children began to wilt and asked for a rest.

COMPLEX

The cut roses began to wilt almost immediately, their petals curling and stems bowing under the oppressive humidity of the unventilated room.

Usage

The verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

Take a walk in London's Trafalgar Square this summer, and people of all body sizes—some tall, some short—will be wilting in the heat: a real mix of sizes.

Phys.org· 19 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated