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

Republican pollsters and political groups are raising the alarm that their party faces a listless and demotivated base ahead of November’s midterm elections. — Liz Goodwin, Washington Post, 26 July 2026

Sanders hadn’t been around his team for three months last offseason and lacked the energy or spark that had enabled him to transform listless programs at Jackson State and CU into winners. — Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 14 July 2026

After a listless loss in their first match back after the summer break, the Orlando Pride came into Friday night’s game against Kansas City desperate to right the ship. — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026

Flau’jae Johnson needed just 49 seconds to seize the lead with a deep three, then poured in 23 points as Seattle rolled past the listless Sparks, 82-64. — Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026