# wilt

/ˈwɪɫt/ (US) · /wˈɪlt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wilt
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The flowers will wilt if you do not water them.
- After three hours of hiking in the midday sun, the children began to wilt and asked for a rest.
- The cut roses began to wilt almost immediately, their petals curling and stems bowing under the oppressive humidity of the unventilated room.

## Usage notes

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

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.