sag

To bend or hang lower in the middle because of weight or pressure.

• The rope began to sag.
• The shelf sagged under the heavy books.
• These old mattresses sag in the middle.

How to use it: sag under something (The roof sagged under the weight of the snow.)

Similar words: droop, sink

Common phrases: sag under weight, sag in places, begin to sag

To become less interesting and make people lose attention.

• The story sags halfway through.
• The film sagged after its exciting opening.
• Even a good play can sag during a long speech.

Similar words: drag

Common phrases: plot begins to sag, sag in the middle

To lean or sink away from an upright position as support weakens.

• The old door began to sag.
• The wall sagged sideways as its supports weakened.
• He sagged against the doorway, too tired to stand straight.

Similar words: lean, slump, settle

Common phrases: sag to one side, sag against something, begin to sag