listless

1 of 2

adjective

list·​less ˈlist-ləs 

: characterized by lack of interest, energy, or spirit

a listless melancholy attitude

listlessly adverb

listlessness noun

listlessness

2 of 2

noun

list·​less·​ness

plural -es

: the quality or state of being listless

Synonyms of listless

Adjective

• tired
• spiritless
• exhausted
• limp
• lackadaisical
• sleepy
• languid
• languorous
• weak
• languishing
• weary
• enervated

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

Adjective

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

Adjective

With one of the NFL’s toughest schedules looming and the Rams reeling from their own setbacks, the Chargers’ listless performance raises urgent doubts about where this team might be heading. — Mirjam Swanson, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Could having consecutive flyouts clank off a catwalk breathe new life into a listless lineup? — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

Out of nowhere, a listless contest was tied at 13-all before the extra point. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 4 Sep. 2026

Berterame started up front along with Luis Suarez, but the duo were unable to find the back of the net in a listless first half that remained scoreless as the teams headed to intermission. — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English listles, from list entry 2

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for listless

• resistless

Kids Definition

listless

adjective

list·​less ˈlist-ləs 

: too tired or too little interested to want to do things

listlessly adverb

listlessness noun

Etymology

Adjective

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