listless

adjective

ˈlist-ləs How to pronounce listless (audio)
Definition of listlessnext
as in tired
lacking bodily energy or motivation when I had the flu, I felt listless and worn-out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective listless differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of listless are lackadaisical, languid, languorous, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

When can lackadaisical be used instead of listless?

While the synonyms lackadaisical and listless are close in meaning, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When might languid be a better fit than listless?

The words languid and listless are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When is it sensible to use languorous instead of listless?

The words languorous and listless can be used in similar contexts, but languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When would spiritless be a good substitute for listless?

Although the words spiritless and listless have much in common, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of listless Later, in the comfort of their spectating room, the VIPs provide blithe yet listless commentary. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025 The 49ers surely have a strategy to fix their listless 2024 defense and to fill the holes that opened up on Monday. —Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 11 Mar. 2025 At the center was James Harden, who seemed listless after logging nearly 40 minutes per game recently while the team got healthy. —Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 1 Mar. 2025 Gilgeous-Alexander lost steam as the game went on, with his possessions looking more listless. —Jared Weiss, New York Times, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for listless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for listless
  1. tired
  2. spiritless
  3. exhausted
  4. limp
  5. lackadaisical
  6. sleepy
  7. languid
  8. languorous
Adjective
  • Already, 47% of clinicians report that being tired has impacted their abilities to treat patients.
    — Victoria Feng, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • His legs are going to be a little tired, as to be expected.
    — Roderick Boone Updated July 11, Charlotte Observer, 12 July 2025
Definition of tired
Adjective
  • The Senators looked spiritless days ago in their building Saturday night ahead of Game 4.
    — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Amid the spiritless spirits and a bevy of alcohol-free wines, ciders, and beers, luxury sparkling teas are comfortably the most exciting emerging trend in the low and no-alcohol sphere.
    — Camille Berry, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of spiritless
Adjective
  • Pop music, like the rest of American society, has reached the exhausted endpoint of the taboo-litigation mania that’s marred the past decade of our national life.
    — Armin Rosen, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025
  • You’re exhausted in the morning and energized by the afternoon.
    — Kelly Stiefel Arias, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2025
Definition of exhausted
Adjective
  • Sophie ends the call before pushing Kyle’s limp body over the side of the cliff.
    — Nicole Briese, People.com, 23 July 2025
  • So, if a shark goes limp in one of these spots, especially upside down, it could get stuck or injured.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
Definition of limp
Adjective
  • Former Memphis assistant Scoonie Penn recalled Brooks delivering a hard foul during a lackadaisical practice.
    — Doug Haller, New York Times, 24 July 2025
  • With so much to do, and with a lackadaisical sense of urgency, each area is filled with gleeful distractions.
    — Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 1 July 2025
Definition of lackadaisical
Adjective
  • Usyk and Dubois have some work to do to save a pretty sleepy event in London.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • At the time, Positano was still a sleepy fishing village.
    — Elise Taylor, Vogue, 9 July 2025
Definition of sleepy
Adjective
  • At its heart lies a cauldron-style swimming pool, softly lit by floating lanterns and flanked by royal loungers that invite hours of languid repose.
    — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • Keep to the languid vibe alive with beaded jewelry and something crochet.
    — Kerry Pieri, Vogue, 17 July 2025
Definition of languid
Adjective
  • Summer ’25 is all about languorous mornings and late afternoon bike rides with fresh baguettes in the basket.
    — Angela Lei, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
  • The film moves at the languorous speed of a humid summer day.
    — Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2025
Definition of languorous

Browse Nearby Words

listings
listless
listlessly
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Cite this Entry

“Listless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listless. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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