listless

adjective

list·​less ˈlist-ləs How to pronounce listless (audio)
: characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit
a listless melancholy attitude
listlessly adverb
listlessness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for listless

languid, languorous, lackadaisical, listless, spiritless mean lacking energy or enthusiasm.

languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

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

spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Examples of listless in a Sentence

He became listless, answered in monosyllables, gurgled, drank a great deal of whisky, and looked with hateful eyes at everyone. Isaiah Berlin, New York Times Book Review, 12 Apr. 1987
She looked up and saw everyone starting his work. She took out a piece of paper, feeling listless and bored as she did. Louise Fitzhugh, Harriet the Spy, 1964
His blue eyes had lost their colour; they had a listless droop; and his mouth, losing the fulness of youth, was weak and pale. W. Somerset Maugham, Of Human Bondage, 1915
Her pretty face was wan and listless, her hair uncurled—some locks hanging lankly down, and some carelessly twisted round her head. Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights, 1847
The heat made everyone tired and listless. The party was a listless affair.
Recent Examples on the Web That was a sentiment that Keith Bishop, an accountant with zero interest in the job, embodied, and Mr. MacIntosh imbued him with a listless affect. Isabella Kwai, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2024 Their sudden appearance prompted hundreds of phones to pop up and film what was teed up to be a cool moment — except the people in the cheap-looking ape costumes just paced around slowly like listless zombies before making their exit. Journal Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2024 The truth is, attainment for attainment’s sake dampens our rewards system, and leaves us feeling listless. Forbes Partner Releases, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 The loss was somewhat expected based on the Americans’ listless play through three group stage matches. Anne M. Peterson, Anchorage Daily News, 6 Aug. 2023 Shirlee’s house was a shadowy place choked with listless bodies, a roaring TV, and bold roaches. Addie Citchens, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024 Needing only a tie to stay in the running for a World Cup berth, a listless U.S. team scored an own goal, went down 2-0 by halftime, and never looked like a team fighting for its World Cup life. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Christie’s Fine Printed and Manuscript Americana sale on January 17 was a listless affair except for a Stamp Act defiance placard posted by the secretive Sons of Liberty group in New York City on October 23, 1765. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 27 Jan. 2024 Both these prosecutions and DeSantis’s candidacy breathed new life into Trump’s listless campaign. W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner, 4 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'listless.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English listles, from list entry 2

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of listless was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near listless

Cite this Entry

“Listless.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/listless. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

listless

adjective
list·​less ˈlist-ləs How to pronounce listless (audio)
: too tired or too little interested to want to do things
listlessly adverb
listlessness noun
Etymology

Middle English listles "having a lack of desire to act or move," from earlier list "desire, liking"

More from Merriam-Webster on listless

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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