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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of listless In 2020, as a franchise, the Broncos looked listless and lost — a sleeping giant resting on the laurels of orange-and-blue bloods everywhere. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 Sep. 2025 The air was damp and listless and the heat was something to wade through, thick as molasses. Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025 Day 4 Observations Utah blasted a listless Orlando team to open the final day of the season. Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2025 The flags that ring the Washington Monument's base are drooping and listless. Bill Chappell, NPR, 1 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for listless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for listless
Adjective
  • More pertinently, if Iroegbunam or Gueye tired or did not screen passes correctly (shown below), Rogers and Emiliano Buendia had huge spaces to receive and turn, owing to Everton’s deep centre-backs refusing to step out.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The Senators looked spiritless days ago in their building Saturday night ahead of Game 4.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Or perhaps its author was just exhausted, which would be entirely understandable.
    Liz Schubauer, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • So, yeah, when all was said and done, Jones was exhausted.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The charred, partially burned church was still visible, and the pickup truck that crashed through the door just a day ago was outside, with two American flags hanging limp in the truck bed.
    Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • While its focus is on anti-inflammatory philosophy, dining here is surprisingly the opposite of the usual detox clinic fare, without a limp salad leaf in sight.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Sorry to all the girlies who are lackadaisical about leaving home and would rather rub their feet together in bed.
    Essence, Essence, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Patience is the hallmark of Chinese operators, but the other side of this story is the lackadaisical attitude toward security that remains all too common among Western IT managers.
    Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike Bacalar, which is relatively new to tourism, Tulum has been transformed from a sleepy backwater into a pumping party town.
    Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Most days are quiet in Armenia’s sleepy southern province of Syunik.
    Michele Crestani, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ferragamo leaned into languid elegance — soft silhouettes, rich color and covetable bags that reinforce the house codes.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
  • While not abandoning core design DNA—crisp, modern tailoring, languid sensuality, and oodles of good taste to wit—the brand delivered a collection that felt like a breath of fresh air.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The prevailing trend, and antidote to turbulent, ever-changing times, was rather zen, languorous and quieting.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 17 Sep. 2025
  • And throughout a 100-minute show, Cain recounted the story of a preacher’s daughter through wailing vocals, haunting drones, and meditative, languorous chants.
    Audrey Gibbs, Nashville Tennessean, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Listless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listless. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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