Synonyms of languid

languid

adjective

ˈlaŋ-gwəd 

1

as in languorous

lacking bodily energy or motivation

a few languid dancers swayed about on the dance floor without much enthusiasm

Synonyms & Similar Words

• languorous
• listless
• tired
• lackadaisical
• spiritless
• limp
• exhausted
• sleepy
• weak
• languishing
• weary
• lazy
• enervated
• indolent
• slothful
• feeble
• sluggish
• torpid
• lethargic
• careless
• phlegmatic
• indifferent
• dull
• stolid
• impassive
• apathetic
• thoughtless
• heedless
• frail
• inert
• logy
• knackered
• inactive
• unwary

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• energetic
• ambitious
• active
• dynamic
• animated
• enterprising
• kinetic
• motivated
• industrious
• eager
• enthusiastic
• lively
• vivacious
• cheerful
• pumped
• avid
• keen
• perky
• up
• watchful
• sleepless
• dapper
• awake
• vigilant
• wide-awake
• alert
• chipper
• open-eyed
• agog

2

as in weak

lacking bodily strength

the tired athlete's languid movements on the tennis court

Synonyms & Similar Words

• weak
• feeble
• weakened
• frail
• slight
• soft
• faint
• asthenic
• enfeebled
• debilitated
• tired
• softened
• disabled
• infirm
• effete
• unsubstantial
• enervated
• wasted
• paralyzed
• delicate
• wimpy
• low
• exhausted
• tender
• down-and-out
• prostrate
• weary
• vulnerable
• sapped
• incapacitated
• injured
• fragile
• wimpish
• prostrated
• unsteady
• drained
• impotent
• woozy
• dizzy
• invalid
• rocky
• decrepit
• powerless
• groggy
• flimsy
• impaired
• damaged
• susceptible
• broken-down
• hurt
• resistless
• flagging
• breakable
• unsound
• yielding
• worn-out
• unresistant
• harmed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• powerful
• strong
• mighty
• muscular
• sinewy
• athletic
• virile
• rugged
• stout
• stalwart
• lusty
• husky
• robust
• beefy
• fit
• hard
• brawny
• sturdy
• vigorous
• tough
• hardy
• energetic
• able-bodied
• hardened
• sound
• healthy
• strengthened
• fortified
• capable
• competent
• energized
• strapping
• red-blooded
• hale
• inured
• vitalized
• toughened
• invigorated
• recovering
• convalescing
• recuperating

3

as in leisurely

moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed

the film's languid pace will not be to the taste of many moviegoers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• leisurely
• slow
• unhurried
• dilatory
• sluggish
• creeping
• lagging
• dragging
• crawling
• poky
• laggard
• dallying
• tardy
• slowing
• dillydallying
• snail-paced
• dawdling
• poking
• snaillike
• lethargic
• deliberate
• lingering
• lounging
• ambling
• inert
• plodding
• loafing
• inactive
• loitering
• measured
• heavy-footed
• shuffling
• tarrying
• strolling
• decelerating
• slow-footed
• procrastinating
• stalling
• inching
• filibustering

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rapid
• brisk
• swift
• speedy
• breathless
• hasty
• quick
• rushing
• lightning
• fast
• dizzy
• snappy
• meteoric
• whirlwind
• running
• racing
• fleet
• speeding
• flying
• ready
• expeditious
• prompt
• rocketing
• breakneck
• bolting
• whirling
• scudding
• hurrying
• warp-speed
• accelerated
• quickened
• careering
• barreling
• hurried
• scurrying
• zipping
• rushed
• whisking
• scooting
• hastened

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languid are lackadaisical, languorous, listless, and spiritless. While all these words 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

When could lackadaisical be used to replace languid?

The synonyms lackadaisical and languid are sometimes interchangeable, but lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When is it sensible to use languorous instead of languid?

While the synonyms languorous and languid are close in meaning, languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is listless a more appropriate choice than languid?

The words listless and languid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languid?

Although the words spiritless and languid have much in common, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of languid

Some, like Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles as well as Sarah Pidgeon and Joe Elwyn, have embraced picnic season with languid afternoons spent in London’s Hampstead Heath. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 19 July 2026

June is one of the best months to visit, with long, languid days and comfortable temperatures. — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026

The two shoreline explorers were out for a languid stroll in their bathing suits on the tip of Conimicut Point. — Mark Reynolds, The Providence Journal, 3 July 2026

In between languid lake swims and sensual forest escapades, old crushes surface and new anxieties rear their heads in this deft portrait of millennial disenchantment. — Air Mail, 20 June 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!