lethargy

noun

leth·​ar·​gy ˈle-thər-jē 

1

: abnormal drowsiness

2

: the quality or state of being lazy, sluggish, or indifferent

Synonyms

• hebetude
• languor
• lassitude
• listlessness
• stupor
• torpor

Choose the Right Synonym for lethargy

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 lethargy in a Sentence

However, on arrival, a mysterious illness had debilitated Darcus Bowden. An illness that no doctor could find any physical symptoms of, but which manifested itself in the most incredible lethargy, creating in Darcus … a lifelong affection for the dole, the armchair, and British television. —Zadie Smith, White Teeth, 2001

Warming himself ever so briefly had shaken away the lethargy and resignation and restored his will to survive. —Lois Lowry, The Giver, 1993

Dick Gale drew a long, deep breath. A coldness, a lethargy, an indifference that had weighed upon him for months had passed out of his being. —Zane Grey, Desert Gold, 1913

Then it occurred to me that I had shut the window before I had come to bed. I would have got out to make certain on the point, but some leaden lethargy seemed to chain my limbs and even my will. —Bram Stoker, Dracula, 1897

St. Clare knew this well; and often, in many a weary hour, he heard that slender, childish voice calling him to the skies, and saw that little hand pointing to him the way of life; but a heavy lethargy of sorrow lay on him,—he could not arise. —Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852

Symptoms of the disease include loss of appetite and lethargy.

I snapped out of my lethargy and began cleaning the house.

Recent Examples on the Web

Signs of hypothermia include weakness, muscle stiffness, lethargy, confusion, and loss of consciousness. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025

Pay attention for signs of distress: panting, drooling, a high heart rate, dry nose, lethargy, or even vomiting, staggering or seizures. —Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News, 3 Mar. 2025

In cats, Trumbull said, symptoms of flu infection include lack of coordination, trouble breathing and lethargy. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025

Symptoms also include lethargy, dehydration and vomiting, and the animals can die. —Erika I. Ritchie, Orange County Register, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English litargie, from Medieval Latin litargia, from Late Latin lethargia, from Greek lēthargia, from lēthargos forgetful, lethargic, irregular from lēthē

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lethargy

noun

leth·​ar·​gy ˈleth-ər-jē 

1

: abnormal drowsiness

2

: the quality or state of being slow, lazy, or not caring

lethargic

lə-ˈthär-jik

le-

adjective

Medical Definition

lethargy

noun

leth·​ar·​gy ˈleth-ər-jē 

plural lethargies

1

: abnormal drowsiness

2

: the quality or state of being lazy, sluggish, or indifferent

lethargic adjective