Vegetate

To lead a passive, monotonous existence, often devoid of activity, stimulation, or purpose. It implies a state of inactivity, resembling the growth and existence of plants, where the individual or group remains stagnant, lacking engagement with their surroundings and responsibilities. This can manifest as a lack of intellectual, physical, or social involvement, essentially existing without truly living. The term often carries a negative connotation, implying a waste of potential or a retreat from life's challenges and opportunities. The underlying cause can range from exhaustion or depression to a deliberate choice for a simpler, less demanding lifestyle.

Vegetate meaning with examples

• After his retirement, he began to vegetate in front of the television, spending his days in a haze of daytime programs and snacks. He lost interest in his hobbies and gradually isolated himself from friends and family. His once vibrant personality slowly faded, replaced by a lethargic indifference to everything beyond the screen.
• The soldiers, after enduring weeks of intense combat, were given a period of rest, but many began to vegetate in the base camp. They were physically present, but mentally and emotionally withdrawn, replaying the horrors of the war in their minds and struggling to re-engage with ordinary life.
• During the long winter months, with little sunlight or opportunities for outdoor activity, many people tend to vegetate indoors. They find themselves lacking energy and motivation, their days blending together in a cycle of inactivity and a sense of ennui.
• Some argue that prolonged periods of unemployment can lead individuals to vegetate, as the lack of structure, social interaction, and purpose gradually erode their skills, confidence, and ambition.