Synonyms of lackadaisical

lackadaisical

adjective

ˌla-kə-ˈdā-zi-kəl 

as in listless

lacking bodily energy or motivation

feeling particularly lackadaisical in the summer heat, they lazily tossed a ball back and forth

Synonyms & Similar Words

• listless
• tired
• languorous
• spiritless
• languid
• exhausted
• weak
• sleepy
• lazy
• limp
• languishing
• weary
• enervated
• lethargic
• slothful
• sluggish
• indolent
• feeble
• careless
• apathetic
• torpid
• indifferent
• phlegmatic
• thoughtless
• dull
• stolid
• impassive
• heedless
• inactive
• inert
• frail
• knackered
• logy
• unwary

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• ambitious
• energetic
• active
• enterprising
• motivated
• dynamic
• industrious
• kinetic
• animated
• enthusiastic
• eager
• cheerful
• vivacious
• lively
• pumped
• keen
• avid
• perky
• up
• watchful
• vigilant
• sleepless
• alert
• dapper
• awake
• chipper
• wide-awake
• open-eyed
• agog

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lackadaisical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lackadaisical are languid, languorous, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

Where would languid be a reasonable alternative to lackadaisical?

The meanings of languid and lackadaisical largely overlap; however, languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

In what contexts can languorous take the place of lackadaisical?

Although the words languorous and lackadaisical have much in common, languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is listless a more appropriate choice than lackadaisical?

While the synonyms listless and lackadaisical are close in meaning, 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 could spiritless be used to replace lackadaisical?

While in some cases nearly identical to lackadaisical, 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

Recent Examples of lackadaisical

The Timberwolves started 8 of 13 from 3-point range, posted a 40-point first quarter and ballooned their lead to 17 points late in the second quarter before a lackadaisical start to the second half. —CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026

The Longhorns will have to tighten up their defense after two lackadaisical efforts. —Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 21 Feb. 2026

Some regard sociology as a gut major that caters to lackadaisical students. —Wendy Nelson Espeland, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026

The defense was lackadaisical at best, while the offense wasn’t much better. —Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 7 Feb. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!