1
as in boredom
physical or mental inertness
following a couple of big mistakes early in the game, the team sank into an uncharacteristic listlessness and was never able to recover the lead
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in restlessness
the state of being bored
we searched desperately for something to jar us out of our listlessness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in weakness
the quality or state of lacking physical strength or vigor
general listlessness is often a side effect of chemotherapy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 listlessness
In early Christian thinking, its connotations of languor and listlessness, within the spirit no less than the body, lent it the status of a sin—a turning aside from God for the sake of earthly sorrow.
—
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
In the second half, veteran center Garrett Bradbury sensed the Patriots offense stalling from its own listlessness.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
In the second half, veteran center Garrett Bradbury sensed the Patriots offense stalling from its own listlessness.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for listlessness
Noun
-
That at a certain point, the gooner will open his eyes, find himself in a room filled with lube but void of love, and decide that the boredom of staying in that room outweighs the fear of whatever lies beyond it.—
Daniel Kolitz,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
-
And yes, there were occasional hijinks spurred by youthful boredom and restlessness.—
Scott Huver,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Los Angeles' bullpen is the team's biggest weakness, and Snell is helping to cover it up by giving the Dodgers longer starts.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
-
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, CMT causes a range of sensory and motor symptoms, including numbness, tingling, pain, muscle weakness and atrophy — deterioration in cells, tissues, and organs.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
24 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
People experiencing more severe infections may also suffer high fever, aches, headaches, lethargy, rashes and blood in their urine.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Common signs can include fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, enlarged lymph nodes and spleen, pale gums (resulting from poor circulation), and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
As my exhaustion broke the spell of curiosity, the narrative appealed to me.—
Jim Beaugez,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Is that your way of expressing the anger and exhaustion that so many people feel in the country right now?—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Daedone wanted to savor decrescendo, too, as well as stasis, stupor, spiritual awakening, and whatever other sensations the stroke brought out.—
Dan Piepenbring,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The cilantro is key because its chlorophyllic sharpness slaps the stupor out of the starchy beans.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Researchers highlighted the current challenges for OCTOID, including slow thermal response and potential fatigue of CLCEs, and the weight of nichrome wires limiting flexibility.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
26 Oct. 2025
-
Hoka Women’s Transport Shoes This cushy shoe is designed with a rocker bottom that pushes you into your next step, putting off foot fatigue for longer.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Listlessness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listlessness. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share