lethargy
Americannoun
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the quality or state of being drowsy and dull, listless and unenergetic, or indifferent and lazy; apathetic or sluggish inactivity.
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Pathology. an abnormal state or disorder characterized by overpowering drowsiness or sleep.
noun
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sluggishness, slowness, or dullness
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an abnormal lack of energy, esp as the result of a disease
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of lethargy
First recorded in 1325–75; from Late Latin lēthargia, from Greek lēthargía, equivalent to lḗtharg(os) “drowsy” + -ia -y 3 ( see Lethe, -algia); replacing Middle English litargie, from Medieval Latin litargīa, from Late Greek, Greek, as above
Explanation
Is your pet slug always this comatose, or is this display of lethargy unusual? The word lethargy describes inactivity or a lack of energy. Lethargy comes from the Greek lethargos, originally meaning “inactive through forgetfulness.” Somewhere along the way, the word lost the implication of “forgetfulness” and just ended up hanging around in bed all day. Still, lethargy doesn’t necessarily imply laziness; it can be brought about by illness and may also describe a lack of strength. Other lethargic nouns include torpor, sluggishness, and languor.
Vocabulary lists containing lethargy
The Giver
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The Pearl
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The Hunger Games
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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.
In addition to eye, skin and breathing problems, MMA exposure can cause headaches, coughing and lethargy, according to the EPA.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 24, 2026
It could have been very different had Rangers not lifted themselves out of their lethargy after finding themselves behind to goals from Ben Broggio and Finn Yeats after only 26 minutes.
From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026
Depression was assessed through a questionnaire asking about depressed mood, disinterest, restlessness or lethargy during the previous two weeks.
From Science Daily • Nov. 17, 2025
Spanish newspaper Marca wrote Madrid have "forged a new identity" and now "dominate, suffocate and subdue their opponents" -- a far cry from the lethargy of Ancelotti's final season.
From Barron's • Nov. 3, 2025
It’s possible that high-stakes testing and its consequences might shake them from lethargy or despair.
From "Drama High" by Michael Sokolove
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
