lassitude

noun

las·​si·​tude ˈla-sə-ˌtüd 

-ˌtyüd

1

: a condition of weariness or debility : fatigue

The patient complained of headache, nausea, and lassitude.

2

: a condition characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit : languor

surrendered to an overpowering lassitude, an extreme desire to sit and dream

—Alan Moorehead

Did you know?

Sick and Tired: The Literal and Figurative Meanings of Lassitude

Lassitude and weariness make an interesting pair. As with many nearly synonymous pairs of words in English, one is derived from Latin and the other from Old English. Even though they both mean “the condition of being tired,” they are used in different ways. Following a common pattern, the Latinate word tends to be used in technical, medical, and formal writing, and the Old English-derived word is used when referring to physical, emotional, and spiritual qualities.

Lassitude comes from the Latin word lassus, meaning “weary.” Our English spelling comes from the French word that developed directly from Latin, borrowed in the 15th century. In French, the word las (masculine) or lasse (feminine) means “weary” or “tired,” and the idiom être las de means “to be sick and tired of.” This led to another English word with the same root: alas, a word that expresses sadness or disappointment, but conveys some measure of fatigue and resignation as well.

Though it sometimes is just a fancy word for fatigue in medical contexts, lassitude is also used in ways that are metaphorical and closer in meaning to “negligence”:

Congress was being choked by pettiness and lassitude.

The case was delayed because of sheer lassitude.

The failure was the result of moral lassitude.

Synonyms

• burnout
• collapse
• exhaustion
• fatigue
• frazzle
• prostration
• tiredness
• weariness

Choose the Right Synonym for lassitude

lethargy, languor, lassitude, stupor, torpor mean physical or mental inertness.

lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs.

months of lethargy followed my accident

languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love.

languor induced by a tropical vacation

lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health.

a depression marked by lassitude

stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants.

lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness.

a once alert mind now in a torpor

Examples of lassitude in a Sentence

Symptoms of the disease include paleness and lassitude.

our lassitude was such that we couldn't even be bothered to get more soda from the fridge

Recent Examples on the Web

But the opinion, written by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., went way further than necessary to insulate Trump from prosecution — not simply before the election, which the court, by its lassitude, had nearly guaranteed, but forever, even in the event that President Biden wins reelection. —Ruth Marcus, Washington Post, 1 July 2024

After so many episodes, there is no lassitude and the Mbappé saga continues to enliven conversations in France’s sports bars. —Samuel Petrequin, USA TODAY, 12 Feb. 2024

Two to four days later, agitation may turn into sleepiness, depression, and lassitude; abdominal pain may concentrate in the upper right quadrant; and the liver might become enlarged, according to the WHO. —Erin Prater, Fortune Well, 12 Jan. 2024

Pence says that Biden’s lassitude on Ukraine is connected to his disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, his foolish pursuit of a nuclear deal with Iran, and his recent turn toward dovishness on China. —Matthew Continetti, National Review, 8 July 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin lassitudo, from lassus weary; probably akin to Old English læt late — more at late

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

lassitude

noun

las·​si·​tude ˈlas-ə-ˌt(y)üd 

1

: a condition of weariness : fatigue

2

: a state of dreamy idleness : languor

Medical Definition

lassitude

noun

las·​si·​tude ˈlas-ə-ˌt(y)üd 

: a condition of weariness, debility, or fatigue

a disease typically accompanied by chronic lassitude