Synonyms of lackadaisical

lackadaisical

adjective

ˌla-kə-ˈdā-zi-kəl 

as in listless

lacking bodily energy or motivation

feeling particularly lackadaisical in the summer heat, they lazily tossed a ball back and forth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of lackadaisical

In an era when singer-songwriter craft can often amount to lackadaisical strumming over threadbare melodies, Joel’s songs feel like some of the last that may be covered 50 years from now. —David Browne, Rolling Stone, 18 July 2025

Now then, some angry pundits will excoriate you for being so lackadaisical. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

For the sixth time this season, the Milwaukee Bucks dropped a game to a sub-.500 team with a lackadaisical effort. —Eric Nehm, The Athletic, 5 Jan. 2025

Pizzolatto keeps his film light on friction, ambling at an easy, lackadaisical pace. —Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

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