adjective

moribund

MOR-ih-bund/ˈmɔːrɪbʌnd/

Near death or approaching an end.

The moribund tree retains only a few fading leaves among its dead branches.

A nearly dead small tree: most branches are bare and brittle, its trunk has peeling bark and extensive dead wood, and only one thin twig retains a few fading leaves.

Etymology

moribundLatindying, at the point of death

Latin moribundus describes something at the point of death. English extends that dying condition figuratively to things whose activity or effectiveness is fading toward an end.

In context

Storytime Haven366:03

a small private house, dilapidated and moribund

🌹 Angelica by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding | Classic Suspense Tale 🎭

More examples

The new owner hopes to revive the moribund newspaper.
Without new members or funding, the club is moribund.
Only a few green leaves remain on the moribund tree.

Forms

moribund

Similar words

dying: Dying is more common and directly describes approaching death.
failing: Failing emphasizes weakening function rather than being near an end.