slough
Definitions
A swamp, bog, or marshy area.
To shed or cast off, as a snake sheds its skin.
A state of deep despair or moral degradation.
Examples
The snake began to slough its old skin as it grew larger.
We had to hike through a muddy slough to reach the hidden lake.
It is time for the company to slough off its outdated business practices and embrace innovation.