Definition of LISTLESSNESS

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 Illinois coach Bielema was facing his old team and trying for his 100th career coaching win, but his team was listless and ineffective from the opening kickoff. — Terry Towery, chicagotribune.com, 10 Oct. 2021 After Auburn’s second unsuccessful drive coming out of halftime, Harsin made the decision to switch things up in hopes of providing a catalyst for a listless offense. — Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, 26 Sep. 2021 After a halftime buzzer beater from Brittney Sykes injected some life into the listless home team, the Sparks (6-13) scored the first six points of the third quarter to trim the deficit to six points. — Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2021 Pending Friday's update, markets were listless Tuesday. — Elaine Kurtenbach, ajc, 30 June 2021 Beneath that listless surface, however, is a country churning with rage and hope, bitterness and faith. — New York Times, 18 June 2021 Beneath that listless surface, however, is a country churning with rage and hope, bitterness and faith. — BostonGlobe.com, 18 June 2021 James scored 17 of his 24 points in the third quarter, but couldn't rally the listless Lakers. — John Marshall, ajc, 2 June 2021 James scored 17 of his 24 points in the third quarter but couldn’t rally the listless Lakers. — John Marshall, orlandosentinel.com, 2 June 2021

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