Synonyms of listless

listless

adjective

ˈlist-ləs 

as in tired

lacking bodily energy or motivation

when I had the flu, I felt listless and worn-out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of listless

There are no darker days in a season than the ones that see relegation confirmed and for Southampton, listless for so much of this Premier League campaign, the moment arrived on Sunday. —Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

When intentionally chosen, the right scent can even shift your mood—lifting you out of a listless haze or helping ease a frantic pace. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025

Maresca’s post-match insistence that the Frenchman’s struggles are not down to a lack of effort felt as feeble and unconvincing as the sum of his contribution over 45 listless first-half minutes. —Liam Twomey, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025

Joonas Korpisalo bore the brunt of another listless night and made some errors of his own, stopping 31 shots. —Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2025