LISTLESS Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

listless

adjective

ˈlist-ləs

Definition of listless next

as in tired

lacking bodily energy or motivation when I had the flu, I felt listless and worn-out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of listless When McCaffrey returned at midseason, the 49ers hoped the reigning Offensive Player of the Year would add kick to their offense and jump-start their listless season. —

Matt Barrows, The Athletic, 24 Nov. 2024 This year, the listless Dolphins have a 2-3 record at the bye week. —

Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 7 Oct. 2024 In it, Larson writes about the peace she’s felt when doing routine, rote tasks, the kind that typically make people feel listless and drained. —

Aytekin Tank, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 The fishermen reported the turtle to wildlife authorities, who rescued the listless turtle and transported her to the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society. —

Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for listless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for listless

Adjective

In its first back-to-back set of the season in late November, Vancouver fell behind severely to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a 5-4 loss and was chasing the game with tired legs.

Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 20 Dec. 2024
Even if Macaulay Culkin is just an adult now, too tired to run an Airbnb.

Erin Somers, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024