LISTLESS Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

listless

adjective

ˈlist-ləs

Definition of listless next

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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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 On June 27, a CNN debate essentially settled the matter, as Biden appeared listless and unable to fend off Trump. —

James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024 The Warriors concluded a six-game homestand with another listless effort. —

Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 Both are unemployed with little opportunity in sight, pitted against each other in a constantly bickering home, and listless about it all. —

Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2024 Sinner currently has a higher floor and is far less prone to playing a few listless sets in a row; uncertainty of a different kind surrounds him because of the potential for a doping ban of up to two years. —

Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for listless

Recent Examples of Synonyms for listless

Adjective

While their rap beef was a major moment for Hip-Hop and has elevated multiple personalities and podcasts, some people are tired of discussing it; Charlamagne seems to fall into that demographic.

— Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 11 Feb. 2025
People get tired and begin complaining about the sketch.

— Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 11 Feb. 2025