listless

adjective

ˈlist-ləs How to pronounce listless (audio)
Definition of listlessnext
as in tired
lacking bodily energy or motivation when I had the flu, I felt listless and worn-out

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Los Angeles, Dees describes the shift as palpable—a welcome resurgence after what had been an otherwise listless start to the year. — Natalie Hoberman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for listless
Recent Examples of Synonyms for listless
  1. tired
  2. spiritless
  3. exhausted
  4. limp
  5. lackadaisical
  6. sleepy
  7. languid
  8. languorous
Adjective
  • Pinterest says Gen Z and Millennials are putting their own spins on trends rather than copying them, a sign that visible under-eyes and lived-in finishes could outlast the tired girl label itself.
    — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The Republican president looks increasingly tired and running out of steam, has not introduced any major new initiatives and could see the political writing on the wall.
    — Joe Battenfeld, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of tired
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
Definition of spiritless
Adjective
  • The offense was unproductive, the bullpen exhausted and starters gassed after several extra-inning games and three sticky games against the Cardinals.
    — Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Such weapons are proving increasingly difficult for Kyiv to shoot down, with supplies of US Patriot interceptors – one of the few systems capable of taking down ballistic missiles pretty much exhausted.
    — Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of exhausted
Adjective
  • The man in the white shirt appears limp as fellow bar patrons walk in to check on him, and the bartender covers her mouth in apparent shock.
    — Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
  • For a more playful touch, try out your bow-tying skills, which can transform limp ropes into sweet, romantic accents.
    — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of limp
Adjective
  • Whitmore appeared in 21 games last season before coach Brian Keefe benched him in early December because of Whitmore’s lack of passing on offense and lackadaisical defense.
    — Josh Robbins, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Its knit fabric never requires an iron or steamer, and it’s held up through countless washes without pilling despite my lackadaisical approach to laundry.
    — Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of lackadaisical
Adjective
  • No one predicted the sleepy backwater of Sassnitz would be rebranded ‘Crashnitz’ or ‘Smashnitz’ by the end of the first edition of the German Sail Grand Prix last year.
    — Andrew Rice, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • During an allegedly sleepy period on the NBA schedule, the Lakers shook everyone awake with a blaring alarm.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of sleepy
Adjective
  • Newcastle yearned to win, to fulfil the dream awoken by Keegan — who died of cancer last month — and Isak was part of the team that finally did it, a languid forward with a kiss for a touch who scored at Wembley when Liverpool were beaten.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Setting the film on the Canadian frontier rather than the American sets it apart from its peers, and the more languid pacing and character-driven plotting continue to distinguish it as a mannered classic.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of languid
Adjective
  • Byblos Beach is for languorous lunches; La Réserve à la Plage for understated chic; Loulou Ramatuelle for Parisians-en-vacances chic; and Jardin Tropézina for White Lotus buzz.
    — Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Two of Latin alternative’s gentlest souls combine their heart-on-your-sleeve electronic and indie-folk impulses for a breezy, languorous collaborative record.
    — E.R. Pulgar, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026
Definition of languorous

Browse Nearby Words

listings
listless
listlessly
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Cite this Entry

“Listless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/listless. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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