lethargy

noun

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leth·ar·gy | \ ˈle-thər-jē

Definition of lethargy

1 : abnormal drowsiness

2 : the quality or state of being lazy, sluggish, or indifferent

Other Words from lethargy Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about lethargy

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Choose the Right Synonym for lethargy

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 lethargy in a Sentence

However, on arrival, a mysterious illness had debilitated Darcus Bowden. An illness that no doctor could find any physical symptoms of, but which manifested itself in the most incredible lethargy, creating in Darcus … a lifelong affection for the dole, the armchair, and British television. — Zadie Smith, White Teeth, 2001 Warming himself ever so briefly had shaken away the lethargy and resignation and restored his will to survive. — Lois Lowry, The Giver, 1993 Dick Gale drew a long, deep breath. A coldness, a lethargy, an indifference that had weighed upon him for months had passed out of his being. — Zane Grey, Desert Gold, 1913 Then it occurred to me that I had shut the window before I had come to bed. I would have got out to make certain on the point, but some leaden lethargy seemed to chain my limbs and even my will. — Bram Stoker, Dracula, 1897 St. Clare knew this well; and often, in many a weary hour, he heard that slender, childish voice calling him to the skies, and saw that little hand pointing to him the way of life; but a heavy lethargy of sorrow lay on him,—he could not arise. — Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852 Symptoms of the disease include loss of appetite and lethargy. I snapped out of my lethargy and began cleaning the house.

Recent Examples on the Web After several years of lethargy, best actor is the year’s most competitive category. — Washington Post, "Oscar Predictions: Can ‘Parasite’ upset ‘1917’?," 5 Feb. 2020 The Celtics cost themselves in the ultimate 129-114 loss with an unexpected case of lethargy that has spread throughout the team. — Gary Washburn, BostonGlobe.com, "In loss to Spurs, lethargic Celtics have only themselves to blame," 9 Jan. 2020 Those infected will develop chills, fever, lethargy and joint pain. — Robyn Merrett, PEOPLE.com, "Michigan Farmer Becomes Sixth Person in the State to Die After Contracting Mosquito-Borne EEE Virus," 18 Nov. 2019 Leading the charge for me was lethargy similar to the flu, inability to see joy in anything, instantaneous irritability, headaches and difficulty making decisions. — Matt Baer, The Hollywood Reporter, ""I Didn't Know What Was Happening to Me": Hollywood Pros Share Stories of Overcoming Depression and Anxiety," 17 Jan. 2020 Surprisingly, some studies suggest that many patients wind up feeling better on lower doses or none at all, as side effects such as lethargy, mental fog and extreme constipation fade away. — Claudia Wallis, Scientific American, "How to Break the Bonds of Opioids," 20 Dec. 2019 The clamor of the house is reduced to a restful calm, and everyone blames the turkey for their lethargy. — BostonGlobe.com, "Blame gluttony, not the turkey, for postmeal sleepiness, a Tufts dietitian says - The Boston Globe," 27 Nov. 2019 During the cruise, Daniel Murphy went to the ship’s medical center with complaints of chest pain, discomfort, profuse sweating, chills, stomach ache, diarrhea, lethargy and weakness, the suit states. — Ron Hurtibise, sun-sentinel.com, "Widow claims Carnival Cruise Line hired unlicensed doctor, and now her husband is dead," 13 Nov. 2019 Symptoms include lack of fear of humans, lethargy and emaciation, as well as excessive drinking, stumbling and difficulty running, the agency said. — NBC News, "Nevada fighting to keep deer from contracting disease with zombie-like symptoms," 7 Oct. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lethargy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.