unthriving

comparative more unthriving · superlative most unthriving

1. Failing to thrive; weak or sickly.

   In every place where there are half a dozen houses is planted an unthriving tree of liberty, which seems to wither under the baneful influence of the bonnet rouge.

   1797, An English Lady, A Residence in France During the Years 1792, 1793, 1794 and 1795,

   1 more example

   He stopped short and looked at the brick wall of the terrace, faced with shallow arches, meagrely clothed by a few unthriving creepers, with an ill-kept narrow flower-bed along its foot.

   1911, Joseph Conrad, Under Western Eyes