Definition of listlessnext

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 Spurs are hapless, listless, shapeless, themeless, hopeless. George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026 Tuesday night was one of those situations as the Blackhawks were listless for the better part of three quarters. Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026 Pageau smashed home his second goal late in the third to finish off a listless Flyers team. CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026 Against the Patriots, the Chargers appeared even more listless as Herbert struggled to connect with his receivers, completing 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for listless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for listless
Adjective
  • Simmons said Tarrant families are tired of O’Hare’s bullying, silencing and antics.
    Rachel Royster March 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Mar. 2026
  • His poor metrics are the result of the Panthers looking tired and worn down in front of him, and Bobrovsky not being consistently at his absolute best.
    Jesse Granger, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Players and snaps added or lost are via the portal only (numbers do not include players lost due to exhausted eligibility or draft declarations).
    Manny Navarro, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Each diagnosis brings its own set of decisions, procedures and treatments that quite frankly leave me feeling physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted.
    L'Oreal Thompson Payton, SELF, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But then, during the challenge, when Ozzy knocks the key off a post, Coach weasels in and grabs it even after Ozzy has been slapping his limp pole at it for the better part of an hour.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Viviscal Thickening Shampoo The Viviscal Thickening Shampoo is a strand-plumping, growth-promoting solution for fine, limp hair.
    Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Whitt was demanding lackadaisical players perform up-downs when Sumrall’s booming voice rang out.
    Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The Timberwolves started 8 of 13 from 3-point range, posted a 40-point first quarter and ballooned their lead to 17 points late in the second quarter before a lackadaisical start to the second half.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The series’ Vladimir, played by Leo Woodall, is a rising literary star and a young father who’s just arrived at a sleepy upstate college, where he and his wife are set to teach.
    Inkoo Kang, New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Then, last Tuesday, Jackie started pancaking — lying flat in the nest bowl — for long stretches and her eyes looked sleepy.
    Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The second movement begins with a languid viola solo played with velvety elegance by the Philharmonic’s principal, Cynthia Phelps.
    Justin Davidson, Vulture, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Many of us long for the days of the old South Beach, with its neighborhood bakeries, languid pace, shabby but genuine character, and the retired people who loved the place.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • As at Ha’s Snack Bar, the food is an elegant wallop of neon flavors, foregrounding the punctilious greenness of Vietnamese herbs and the languorous funk of organ meats and offcuts, but now there’s room to breathe, to relax a little, to take it all in, to linger.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Wicker, rattan, raffia, and marble make comfortable bedfellows, and all rooms have terraces with huge daybeds for languorous post-pilates reading sessions in the sun.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Listless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listless. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

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