listless

[list-lis] / ˈlɪst lɪs /

ADJECTIVE

spiritless, without energy

Synonyms

STRONGEST

drowsy dull inert lackadaisical languid leaden lethargic lifeless lukewarm passive sleepy sluggish

WEAK

absent abstracted apathetic blah bored careless dormant dreamy easygoing energyless enervated faint heavy heedless impassive inanimate inattentive indifferent indolent insouciant lagging laid-back languishing languorous limp lymphatic mopish neutral out of it phlegmatic slack slow stupid supine thoughtless torpid uninterested vacant

Antonyms

STRONGEST

active alert alive animated awake energetic enthusiastic lively spirited vivacious

WEAK

attentive untired

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There’s a chance both teams will decide it serves their interests to play a listless draw and share the orange slices.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

England came into the game on the back of listless losses against Scotland, Ireland and Italy, but were revived, performing with energy and invention that had gone missing for much of their campaign.

From BBC • Mar. 14, 2026

The opening ballad, “Risk It All,” is pretty but listless, with Mr. Mars singing over a gently plucked nylon-string guitar until a relaxed syncopated groove folds in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Marcus Rashford added some urgency into Barca's game after a listless start, curling inches wide of the far post after cutting in from the left.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

He looked at the listless little child in her arms, the unhappy dæmon pressed so close against her neck, her eyes half closed; she looked ill and weak.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman

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