Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of lethargic
First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin lēthargicus, from Greek lēthargikós; replacing Middle English litargik, from Medieval Latin litargicus ( see lethargy, -ic)
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How does lethargic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
When you feel lethargic, you're sluggish or lacking energy. Being sleepy or hungry can make anyone lethargic. Being lethargic makes it hard to get anything done: you feel weak and sleepy. Whatever the reason, a lethargic person needs to snap out of it and get some energy, maybe by eating something or by taking a nap. Being lethargic also goes well with watching TV, since that takes almost no energy at all. When you feel lethargic, you don't have any energy to spare.
Vocabulary lists containing lethargic
ASVAB Word Knowledge
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Essential Academic Vocabulary for High School Students, List 3
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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.
Lethargic closeouts on three-point shooters hurt Virginia in the first half, leaving the Cavaliers trailing 42-26 heading to the locker room.
From Washington Post • Feb. 25, 2023
Lethargic and overfed from the holidays and with a major case of the Januaries one Saturday night, I wanted nothing more than to crawl under a blanket and watch a movie.
From Slate • May 24, 2018
Lethargic with grief and an embarrassment to his colleagues, Sen. Peter Tovy agrees to take a junket to a chimp refuge in Oklahoma, just to get him out of Parliament for a few days.
From Washington Post • Jan. 21, 2016
Lethargic delegates stirred themselves, tired-looking men became animated, "everywhere was heard a loud chatter of expectancy."
From Time Magazine Archive
Lethargic layers of mist bulged low, like the roof of a marquee, and cloaked every outline that could yield us information.
From In Mr. Knox's Country by Ross, Martin
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.
