listless

adjective

list·​less ˈlist-ləs How to pronounce listless (audio)
: characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit
a listless melancholy attitude
listlessly adverb
listlessness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for listless

languid, languorous, lackadaisical, listless, spiritless mean lacking energy or enthusiasm.

languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

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

spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Examples of listless in a Sentence

He became listless, answered in monosyllables, gurgled, drank a great deal of whisky, and looked with hateful eyes at everyone. Isaiah Berlin, New York Times Book Review, 12 Apr. 1987
She looked up and saw everyone starting his work. She took out a piece of paper, feeling listless and bored as she did. Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet the Spy, 1964
His blue eyes had lost their colour; they had a listless droop; and his mouth, losing the fulness of youth, was weak and pale. W. Somerset Maugham, Of Human Bondage, 1915
Her pretty face was wan and listless, her hair uncurled—some locks hanging lankly down, and some carelessly twisted round her head. Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights, 1847
The heat made everyone tired and listless. The party was a listless affair.
Recent Examples on the Web One Friday, though, Fido seemed strangely listless, so Ford went quickly to the vet. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 13 Oct. 2024 The few young reservists encountered in Beirut appeared listless and demoralized; some openly cried. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2024 The attacks have left the militant group listless and largely unable to respond effectively. Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 29 Sep. 2024 The Bruins had finally provided something to cheer about after largely listless showings in their first two games, countering every punch Louisiana State delivered while pulling into a surprising tie. Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for listless 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'listless.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English listles, from list entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of listless was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near listless

Cite this Entry

“Listless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listless. Accessed 30 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

listless

adjective
list·​less ˈlist-ləs How to pronounce listless (audio)
: too tired or too little interested to want to do things
listlessly adverb
listlessness noun
Etymology

Middle English listles "having a lack of desire to act or move," from earlier list "desire, liking"

More from Merriam-Webster on listless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!