Word
withering
Phoneticswith·er·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈwɪðɝɪŋ/
UK/wˈɪðəɹɪŋ/
Definition
adj. describing a look or a comment that is so sharp and critical it makes someone feel small or ashamed. It is like a plant drying up and dying because of the heat.
adj. intended to make someone feel humiliated or small; devastatingly critical. Often describes facial expressions, remarks, or glances that convey intense scorn.
Examples
“She gave him a withering look after his rude comment.”
“The director's withering critique of the lead actor's performance left the entire cast in an uncomfortable silence.”
“The senator's withering response to the proposed legislation dismantled the opposition's argument point by point, leaving little room for further debate.”
Examples
simple
“She gave him a withering look after his rude comment.”
contextual
“The director's withering critique of the lead actor's performance left the entire cast in an uncomfortable silence.”
complex
“The senator's withering response to the proposed legislation dismantled the opposition's argument point by point, leaving little room for further debate.”
Usage
Typically used attributively before a noun like 'look', 'glance', 'remark', or 'critique'.
Real-World Examples
“Some might call it trash, but anyone addicted to the genre of club music best described as “withering woman sounds deathly unimpressed by you over crude beats” … it’s your lucky day.” “To heighten the pressure on Diaz-Canel’s government, his administration has implemented a series of withering measures meant to destabilise the Cuban economy.” Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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