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.

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

Christina Applegate is where she spent many listless, painful nights over the last year working on her memoir: in bed.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 3, 2026

The All Blacks put in a curiously listless performance and subsequently sacked head coach Brett Robertson.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 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

The boy was skinny and quiet, and one summer’s night, Mr. Trepid discovered him lying listless and feverish in his bed.

From "Ruby Holler" by Sharon Creech

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