lethargy

noun leth·ar·gy \ ˈle-thər-jē \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

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Examples: lethargy in a Sentence

Definition of lethargy

1 : abnormal drowsiness

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

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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 of lethargy from the Web

When testosterone drops substantially, there can be disruption of sleep and increased lethargy throughout the day, depressed moods, lack of motivation, poor concentration and loss of memory.

— bryant stamford, The Courier-Journal, "Testosterone replacement therapy is tough. Why don't we talk about it?," 17 May 2018
These drugs are not without negative side effects such as somnolence, lethargy, constipation and drug tolerance, requiring increasing dosages.

— andrea k. mcdaniels, baltimoresun.com, "Treat pain in children differently than adults," 3 May 2018
Signs and symptoms of Bobcat Fever include lethargy, lack of appetite, high temperature and dehydration.

— kaitlyn schwers, kansascity, "Domestic cats are dying of Bobcat Fever, veterinarians warn. So what is it? | The Kansas City Star," 25 May 2018
But with a more active Houston offense, fueled by desperation, any lethargy would be punished.

— dan woike, latimes.com, "Rockets even series against Warriors, turning up intensity all over the court," 17 May 2018
To many, the market’s lethargy reflects investor wariness over the cracks that have begun to appear in the global economic expansion that had helped power stocks, bonds and commodities higher last year.

— michael wursthorn, WSJ, "Stocks and Bonds Are Going Nowhere Fast, Stranding Investors," 6 May 2018
Flat affect is the face of lethargy and voice of apathy: no eye rolling, no winking, no smirking.

— gina ryder, Glamour, "Living With Flat Affect: Like 'Resting Bitch Face' But Not Funny," 4 May 2018
Common symptoms of strained breathing are drowsiness, dizziness and lethargy.

— Philly.com, "3 exercises for beating the afternoon slump," 24 Apr. 2018
Pets can get salmonella from contaminated food and suffer from lethargy, bloody diarrhea, vomiting and fever and can be carriers of the contamination.

— david j. neal, miamiherald, "A dog treat salmonella recall expands from one product to 24 and now covers one year. | Miami Herald," 8 Mar. 2018

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.

Origin and Etymology of lethargy

Middle English litargie, from Medieval Latin litargia, from Late Latin lethargia, from Greek lēthargia, from lēthargos forgetful, lethargic, irregular from lēthē

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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lethargy Synonyms

Synonym Discussion of 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.