listless

[ list-lis ]

adjective

1. having or showing little or no interest in anything; languid; spiritless; indifferent:

   a listless mood;

   a listless handshake.

listless

/ ˈlɪstlɪs /

adjective

1. disinclined for any effort or exertion; lacking vigour, enthusiasm, or energy

Derived Forms

• ˈlistlessly, adverb
• ˈlistlessness, noun

Other Words From

• list·less·ly adverb
• list·less·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of listless¹

First recorded in 1400–50, listless is from the late Middle English word lystles. See list ⁴, -less

Word History and Origins

Origin of listless¹

C15: from list desire + -less

Synonym Study

See indifference.

Example Sentences

I had tried to keep a journal several times, but the words remained stuck in my mind and only a few listless, lifeless sentences came out.

From Washington Blade

If you add too much water, or work it even a little too much, the gluten will get overexcited, and you will end up with something chewy and listless, rather than flaky and tender.

From Washington Post

Neuroscientist Daniel Levitin, author of this year’s Successful Aging, says “that’s not an unreasonable interpretation,” but he doesn’t settle for the view that aging after 40 is a long and listless mosey to the grave.

From Nautilus

Georgetown struggled from the field, but that didn’t excuse listless defense that was a step slow.

From Washington Post

The sideline looked listless as Washington scored 13 unanswered points, eventually winning 20-9.

From Washington Post

Jam is there because of the sudden death of her boyfriend, Reeve, and the listless state of major depression it throws her into.

From The Daily Beast

As I turned, my listless glance included the man below in the churchyard.

From The Daily Beast

The New Republic enters the fray on the most important discussion of all time: Why do young people seem so listless?

From The Daily Beast

The White House response to Tuesday's results has been listless at best.

From The Daily Beast

Instantly Eudora, who had seemed so listless, woke up with all the hospitality of her Southern nature roused to action.

From Project Gutenberg

She crept down the stairs as if listless and bored with everything, but her heart was beating thick and fast.

From Project Gutenberg

One day, feverish and excited, he played on in monotone almost listless.

From Project Gutenberg

The hours which he did not waste in listless indolence were divided between childish sports and childish devotions.

From Project Gutenberg

Instead of being confiding and happy, she seemed listless, forgetful, and nervous.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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