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

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 lackadaisical Now then, some angry pundits will excoriate you for being so lackadaisical. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 As the netminder made his lackadaisical way back into into his crease, Kastelic fired it toward the net. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2025 Moore really sells the arc from her disappointment in Kaffee’s lackadaisical approach to the case at the film’s start to nearly fangirling over his prowess as a lawyer by the end. Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025 Joe Rogan’s Chats With Tech Moguls Rogan, known for his sprawling interests and wide array of guests, has often been criticized for his lackadaisical interviewing style and tendency to rarely push back on questionable claims. Dimitar 'mix' Mihov, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lackadaisical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lackadaisical
Adjective
  • Gilgeous-Alexander lost steam as the game went on, with his possessions looking more listless.
    Jared Weiss, New York Times, 21 June 2025
  • It’s been listless this week after unveiling several modest upcoming changes to the software that runs its devices.
    Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025
Adjective
  • Mowing Lawns Homeowners are usually away on vacation or are probably too tired to maintain their yards.
    Sho Dewan, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
  • But, in Dick’s opinion, Charlie grew tired of baseball’s daily grind.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 22 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the summer, people here are too busy enjoying themselves—drinking on patios, reading languorous books, stretching weekends in Crystal Beach or Sherkston out over three, four, five days—to do much of any importance.
    Aidan Ryan June 4, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
  • Warfare tells the harrowing story of their rescue in real time—even though much of this movie is constructed from long, languorous takes, the film moves forward in tense fits and starts.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
Adjective
  • Gout’s tall stature, languid running style and raw speed have drawn comparisons with legendary sprinter Usain Bolt and he is considered one of the fastest teenagers in the world.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 25 June 2025
  • Perhaps Goodman could withstand his sweatshop duties as a catcher while still producing the power its languid offense so desperately needs.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 6 June 2025
Adjective
  • That endurance capacity is likely due to female bodies preferentially using slow-burning fat over quickly exhausted carbohydrates, in both athletes and less sporty people, studies have shown.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 June 2025
  • Moreover, deep cleaning tasks that involve scrubbing or reorganizing cabinets can take longer than anticipated, leaving you feeling exhausted before bed.
    Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 June 2025
Adjective
  • And while the unemployment rate remains low, hiring has been weak, leaving those without jobs struggling to find new work.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • Total textile and apparel exports declined from $44.4 billion in fiscal year 2022 to $35.8 billion in fiscal year 2024 (ending March 31), due to weak global demand and elevated production costs.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • The final picture is a solo shot of Ocean Rain, sleepy and sweetly tucked into a coral blanket embroidered with her name.
    Clea Haran, Parents, 23 June 2025
  • By the end of that summer, the sleepy months had become prime box-office real estate.
    Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lackadaisical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lackadaisical. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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