Synonyms of listless

listless

adjective

ˈlist-ləs 

as in tired

lacking bodily energy or motivation

when I had the flu, I felt listless and worn-out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective listless differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of listless are lackadaisical, languid, languorous, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," 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

When can lackadaisical be used instead of listless?

While the synonyms lackadaisical and listless are close in meaning, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When might languid be a better fit than listless?

The words languid and listless are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is it sensible to use languorous instead of listless?

The words languorous and listless can be used in similar contexts, but languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When would spiritless be a good substitute for listless?

Although the words spiritless and listless 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 listless

Carrying the largest payroll in franchise history with World Series-or-bust expectations, the Phillies have played listless baseball for much of April, entering Tuesday with a 9-19 mark. —Matt Gelb, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026

That specificity and boldness don’t appear much on Yo Favorite Trappa Favorite Rappa, a listless album that’s fashioned like a 2000s mixtape. —Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 21 Apr. 2026

On Beef, Woosh (played by K-pop star BM) is a somewhat listless Korean Zoomer who works for chairman Park as a tennis instructor and also sells skincare products to the country club’s members. —Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 Apr. 2026

Smith’s swing capped a six-run ninth for the Braves, who were mostly listless offensively until that point. —Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 29 Mar. 2026