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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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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for listless

Adjective

But the media's use of the tired relegation narrative to generate jeopardy misses a broader, more interesting question about what drove the Catalan to commit more emphatically than his last two deals.

Zak Garner-Purkis, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024
The upcoming holiday season is the perfect excuse to upgrade your tired cookware collection and kitchen appliances.

Maggie Horton, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024