Synonyms of languorous

languorous

adjective

ˈlaŋ-gə-rəs 

as in languid

lacking bodily energy or motivation

the drummer's languorous playing caused the rest of the band to keep missing the beat

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languorous differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languorous are lackadaisical, languid, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is it sensible to use lackadaisical instead of languorous?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and languorous are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of languorous?

The synonyms languid and languorous are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would listless be a good substitute for languorous?

While in some cases nearly identical to languorous, 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 languorous?

The meanings of spiritless and languorous largely overlap; however, 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 languorous

Warfare tells the harrowing story of their rescue in real time—even though much of this movie is constructed from long, languorous takes, the film moves forward in tense fits and starts. —Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Apr. 2025

But in many performances, much of its detail can seem puzzling or pointless—vigorous or languorous notes spinning between the overwhelming climaxes. —David Denby, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025

But in many performances, much of its detail can seem puzzling or pointless—vigorous or languorous notes spinning between the overwhelming climaxes. —David Denby, The Atlantic, 1 Apr. 2025

Steeped in the pleasantly lazy atmosphere of the title setting, the film is languorous, but not long. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 25 Jan. 2025