lethargic

Rarely le·thargi·cal

[luh-thahr-jik]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or affected with lethargy; drowsy; sluggish; apathetic.

   Synonyms: torpid, indolent, lazy

2. producing lethargy.

   The lethargic heat and humidity of the day made me want to do nothing but nap.

Other Word Forms

• lethargically adverb
• hyperlethargic adjective
• nonlethargic adjective
• nonlethargical adjective
• nonlethargically adverb
• unlethargic adjective
• unlethargical adjective
• unlethargically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of lethargic¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin lēthargicus, from Greek lēthargikós; replacing Middle English litargik, from Medieval Latin litargicus ( lethargy, -ic )

Example Sentences

Those forces are making an already slow residential real-estate market even more lethargic.

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Those forces are making an already slow residential real-estate market even more lethargic.

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But shortly after being sent home the next day, they noticed Mason was lethargic and no longer interested in feeding.

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The report described the system as "lethargic", with a backlog of 166,000 asylum cases and interviews often delayed for up to two years.

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For a team that cantered to the league title last season, Liverpool suddenly look vulnerable at the back, lethargic in midfield and toothless in attack.

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Related Words

• apathetic 
• dull 
• lackadaisical 
• laid-back 
• languid 
• listless 
• passive 
• sleepy