lethargy

American  

[leth-er-jee] / ˈlɛθ ər dʒi /

noun

plural

lethargies

1. the quality or state of being drowsy and dull, listless and unenergetic, or indifferent and lazy; apathetic or sluggish inactivity.

2. Pathology. an abnormal state or disorder characterized by overpowering drowsiness or sleep.

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lethargy British  

/ ˈlɛθədʒɪ, lɪˈθɑːdʒɪk /

noun

1. sluggishness, slowness, or dullness

2. an abnormal lack of energy, esp as the result of a disease

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Other Word Forms

• hyperlethargy
  noun
• lethargic
  adjective
• lethargically
  adverb

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.

Example Sentences

Lethargy caught up to both offenses — the schools were a combined 2-17 in the first half on third down — until Indiana found some rhythm.

From Washington Times • Oct. 30, 2021

Lethargy in the limbs, for instance, could be multiple sclerosis or lupus, devastating but different diseases with a lifetime of debilitating, progressing pain.

From Scientific American • Sep. 7, 2021

The Firmness with which Kelirieu pronounced these last Words, roused the King from his Lethargy.

From The Amours of Zeokinizul, King of the Kofirans Translated from the Arabic of the famous Traveller Krinelbol by Crébillon, Claude Prosper Jolyot de

Lethargy and grain dust seemed to hang in our air together.

From The Bonadventure A Random Journal of an Atlantic Holiday by Blunden, Edmund

The Occasion of this seems to be the Want of some necessary Employment, to put the Spirits in Motion, and awaken them out of their Lethargy.

From The Spectator, Volume 2. by Addison, Joseph

Related Words

• apathy
• disinterest
• drowsiness
• inactivity