Morass

A complicated, confusing, or overwhelming situation, often involving entanglement or difficulty. It suggests a state of being stuck or bogged down, both literally and figuratively, implying a lack of clear direction or progress.

Originally, a morass was a marsh or swamp, a soft, muddy area that is difficult to traverse.

The metaphorical usage extends this meaning to complex problems, political dilemmas, or emotional turmoil, portraying a situation that is challenging to escape or resolve.

The term implies a sense of stagnation, where individuals or entities are trapped and find it challenging to move forward, whether due to internal complexities or external pressures.

Often, a morass arises when there are a multitude of interconnected issues, making it difficult to pinpoint a starting point for improvement or resolution.

A morass signifies being stuck, entangled and unable to progress, in a swamp of issues.

The word also invokes a sense of hopelessness due to the complexities of the environment. .

Morass meaning with examples

• The company found itself in a financial morass, with plummeting sales and mounting debts, making it difficult to pay vendors and employees. Attempts to restructure only seemed to worsen the situation. They needed a rescue plan but instead the morass continued.
• After the political scandal, the country was mired in a legal morass. The investigation was slow and unclear, with constant accusations of wrongdoing and cover-ups. Citizens struggled to trust the government after being stuck in this swamp.
• He realized he was stuck in an emotional morass, constantly replaying past events and struggling to move on. The feelings of regret prevented him from seeking help or looking to the future, causing him grief.
• The city's outdated infrastructure created a traffic morass every weekday morning, making it difficult for commuters to reach their jobs. This was a daily struggle, and often led to public frustration over delays.
• The negotiations between the warring nations descended into a diplomatic morass, as both sides refused to compromise. The meeting ended with no progress at all, making an already dire situation even more difficult.