languor

noun

lan·​guor ˈlaŋ-gər 

also -ər

1

: weakness or weariness of body or mind

the languor of convalescence

2

: listless indolence or inertia

languor brought on by a hot summer afternoon

Synonyms of languor

• boredom
• lethargy
• stupor
• lassitude

Choose the Right Synonym for languor

lethargy, languor, lassitude, stupor, torpor mean physical or mental inertness.

lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs.

months of lethargy followed my accident

languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love.

languor induced by a tropical vacation

lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health.

a depression marked by lassitude

stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants.

lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness.

a once alert mind now in a torpor

Examples of languor in a Sentence

They enjoyed the languor brought on by a hot summer afternoon.

They felt an indefinable languor.

Recent Examples on the Web

As the camera glides in and around a roller-skating rink, where much of the action takes place, Decker and Shlesinger achieve and sustain a terrific balance of comic velocity and erotic languor. —Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026

Breaking Bad took place in the languor of suburbia and Better Call Saul in the corrupt organs of the legal system, but Vince Gilligan’s latest show Pluribus makes a home out of the stranger substrate of speculative sci-fi. —Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Jan. 2026

Austen wrings a great deal of humor from Lady Bertram’s dopey languor. —Literary Hub, 14 Jan. 2026

No wilting languor on this veranda — for that matter, no veranda either — just ferocity, desperation, and, of course, brutal desire. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French langur, from Latin languor, from languēre

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for languor

• abhor
• abor
• adore
• afore
• ardour
• ashore
• backdoor
• before
• bookstore
• candour
• centaur
• claymore

Kids Definition

languor

noun

lan·​guor ˈlaŋ-(g)ər 

1

: weakness or weariness of body or mind

2

: a state of dreamy idleness

languorous

-(g)ə-rəs

adjective

languorously adverb