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
• loggy
• 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

Mackey, raven-haired and listless in a bikini top and cigarette in hand, is camera-genic enough to make for an appealing heroine. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025

However, the first baseman went 1-for-4 in the game, which featured a listless lineup, giving him a .143 average and a .447 OPS over his last 24 contests. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025

Buehler allowed four runs over a listless four-inning performance, and the offense squandered several key scoring chances late. —Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 29 June 2025

Later, in the comfort of their spectating room, the VIPs provide blithe yet listless commentary. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 27 June 2025