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

Newcastle yearned to win, to fulfil the dream awoken by Keegan — who died of cancer last month — and Isak was part of the team that finally did it, a languid forward with a kiss for a touch who scored at Wembley when Liverpool were beaten. — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Setting the film on the Canadian frontier rather than the American sets it apart from its peers, and the more languid pacing and character-driven plotting continue to distinguish it as a mannered classic. — David Faris, TheWeek, 21 Aug. 2026

Opening night on Friday will showcase the Mehura competition, a more languid dance style, with graceful arm movements that have a theme or tell a story. — Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026

Built by Italian yard Benetti and extensively refreshed between 2018 and 2021, the 141-foot yacht combines François Zuretti interiors with generous outdoor spaces designed for languid days in the Balearic sun. — Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

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