Synonyms of spiritless

spiritless

adjective

ˈspir-ət-ləs 

as in listless

lacking bodily energy or motivation

he was spiritless and depressed for weeks after being fired

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective spiritless differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spiritless are lackadaisical, languid, languorous, and listless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

When might lackadaisical be a better fit than spiritless?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and spiritless are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of spiritless?

The words languid and spiritless 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 could languorous be used to replace spiritless?

The words languorous and spiritless can be used in similar contexts, but languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

In what contexts can listless take the place of spiritless?

Although the words listless and spiritless have much in common, 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of spiritless

The Senators looked spiritless days ago in their building Saturday night ahead of Game 4. —Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025

Amid the spiritless spirits and a bevy of alcohol-free wines, ciders, and beers, luxury sparkling teas are comfortably the most exciting emerging trend in the low and no-alcohol sphere. —Camille Berry, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2025

Dance sections lacked charm; lyric passages were spiritless; the klezmer episodes in the third movement were strictly goyish. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

Yet the club dropped the contest in spiritless fashion, 6-2. —Julian McWilliams, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Aug. 2023

Lil Wayne is not tolerating spiritless crowds at his shows. —Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023

The studio setup looks familiar, but the operation itself is spiritless, bearing more resemblance to CNBC’s coverage of the stock market than to the typical sports show, whose belligerent repartee is familiar to anyone who has ever watched a game with friends. —New York Times, 27 Apr. 2022

That hotel, which opened about a year ago, serves a drink called a Bee’s Knees with a Twist, which costs $19 and includes spiritless gin, lime and honey (cocktails with alcohol range from $21 to $28). —Alyson Krueger, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2023

Hampered by a spare and spiritless screenplay, Smith gives a performance marked by facial expressions, physical movement and a Haitian accent that struggles to shake its studied quality. —Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Nov. 2022