sag

Everyday

1. To sink or hang down in the middle because of weight or because it is old or tired: the shelf sagged under the books. tree →
2. To become weaker or lower: my spirits sagged; sales sagged. tree →
3. (noun) A place where something sinks down, or a drop. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life old sofas, mattresses, tents and washing lines sag. In stories a character's shoulders sag when they are sad, tired or give up. In science and design lessons a bridge or shelf that sags shows the load is too heavy. Phrases: sag in the middle, shoulders sagged, a sagging roof.

Examples

• The washing line sagged under the wet towels. tree →
• Our old sofa sags in the middle. tree →
• His shoulders sagged when he heard the bad news. tree →
• The tent sagged after the rain. tree →
• Put a support in the middle so the bridge doesn't sag. tree →
• Her energy sagged by the end of the race. tree →

Note

Past: sagged (double the g); -ing: sagging. "Saggy" is an informal adjective (saggy socks). Do not confuse with "saga" (a long story).