John Galsworthy
Did you know?
What Is the Difference Between languid and languorous?
Lack, lack, lack. Languid is all about lack. Depending on its context, the word can suggest a lack of strength, lack of energy, or lack of activity. The lack-of-strength sense of languid describes the kind of sluggishness that often results from fatigue or weakness, as in “the illness left her feeling languid.” The lack-of-energy sense is synonymous with listless, and often describes someone’s character or disposition as a result of dissatisfaction or sadness. Lastly, there’s the lack-of-activity sense of languid, as in “investors are worried about the languid stock market.” So languid is a total bummer, right? Not so (ahem) fast! Sometimes it’s a good thing to dillydally, and languid has also long been used to describe stretches of time—think afternoons, days, summers, etc.—that are relatively and perhaps pleasantly chill.
Examples of languid in a Sentence
Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 25 May 2025
However unpredictable the weather was, brisk one moment then warm and languid the next, the AFW showgoers still set out to celebrate all of summer’s biggest trends.
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 19 May 2025
Jokić made another languid but undeniable case for his best player in the world candidacy, finishing Game 5 with an efficient 44/15/5 line.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Once Upon a Time in Gaza is fairly tame, even a bit languid, in its opening sequences, until a corrupt cop (Ramzi Maqdisi) barges in to get a piece of Osama’s business.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for languid
Cite this Entry
“Languid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/languid. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy Citation
Share