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Withering in Irish (Seargadh): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘seargadh’ also means: wasting

The Irish for withering is seargadh, a masculine noun. Ag seargadh is withering, from the verb searg.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “withering” in Irish

Irish:
seargadh
English:
withering, wasting
Word type:
noun (verbal noun)
Verbal noun of:
searg, to wither (ag seargadh, withering)
Gender:
masculine
Pronunciation:
“SHAR-uh-guh”  /ʃaɾˠəɡə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
seargtha, an tseargtha (e.g. comharthaí an tseargtha, signs of withering)

What does “seargadh” mean?

“Seargadh” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

withering
The verbal noun of the verb 'searg': the act or process of drying up, shrivelling or fading.Also: shrivelling, drying up, fading, wilting.
1 other meaning: wasting
2wasting
A gradual wasting away or decline in strength, especially of the body or a limb.Also: atrophy, decline, wasting away.

Other Irish words for withering: feo (withering)

“Seargadh” as a verbal noun

After ag, seargadh means withering: it is the verbal noun of the verb searg (to wither). A noun that follows it goes into the genitive.

agat
+
seargadhverbal noun
=
ag seargadhwithering

“Seargadh” with the article

Here is seargadh after the article (an t-alt).

an seargadh
the withering
No change after an

“Seargadh” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using seargadh, the Irish word for withering.

Tá na bláthanna ag seargadh sa teas.
The flowers are withering in the heat.
Chuir an triomach seargadh ar an bhféar.
The drought withered the grass.
Thosaigh an seargadh ar na duilleoga i mí Dheireadh Fómhair.
The leaves began to wither in October.
Bhí comharthaí seargtha le feiceáil ar na plandaí.
Signs of withering could be seen on the plants.
Tá seargadh ag teacht ar a lámh.
His arm is wasting away.
Ní féidir an seargadh a stopadh anois.
The withering cannot be stopped now.
Bhí an teanga i mbaol seargtha sa cheantar.
The language was in danger of dying out in the area.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Withering in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for withering?

The Irish for withering is seargadh (pronounced “SHAR-uh-guh”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean wasting.

How do you pronounce seargadh in Irish?

Seargadh is said like “SHAR-uh-guh” (IPA /ʃaɾˠəɡə/).

Does seargadh have a plural?

No plural form is given for seargadh in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does seargadh have more than one meaning?

Yes. Seargadh can mean withering or wasting, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does seargadh change to sheargadh?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo sheargadh. After ár (our) it stays ár seargadh, because s does not take eclipsis.

What is the difference between 'seargadh' and 'feo'?

Both mean withering. 'Seargadh' suggests shrivelling and drying up, while 'feo' is used more generally for withering or decay, as in 'feo na nduilleog'.

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