lassitude

[ las-i-tood, -tyood ]

noun

1. weariness of body or mind from strain, oppressive climate, etc.; lack of energy; listlessness; languor:

   It was yet another day of extreme heat and lassitude.

2. a condition of lazy indifference:

   Democracy is hard work, and demands that citizens not drift into lassitude.

lassitude

/ ˈlæsɪˌtjuːd /

noun

1. physical or mental weariness

Word History and Origins

Origin of lassitude¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Latin lassitūdō “weariness,” equivalent to lass(us) “weary” + -i- connecting vowel + -tūdō noun suffix; -i-, -tude

Word History and Origins

Origin of lassitude¹

C16: from Latin lassitūdō, from lassus tired

Example Sentences

In the lead-up to a big race, such lassitude can be compounded by a sudden severe case of germophobia, characterized by obsessive hand-washing, decreased displays of physical affection, and reluctance to take care of coughing toddlers.

From Outside Online

A quarter of Iran’s population is under the age of 14, close to half are under the age of 40, and almost all are struggling at a time of severe financial austerity and deep political lassitude toward their government, but also forces abroad.

From Time

Everything about his behavior—his lassitude, his habitual indifference—makes more sense when you know his circumstances.

From The Daily Beast

That immense ambition is gone, replaced by detachment and lassitude.

From The Daily Beast

The good news is that the departure of Berlusconi could be a tonic that awakens Italy from a stupor of lassitude and indifference.

From The Daily Beast

In fact, they are the universal wardrobe shorthand for sloth and lassitude.

From The Daily Beast

Sweatpants are the universal wardrobe shorthand for sloth and lassitude.

From The Daily Beast

It combats ennui, lassitude, and intolerable vacuity, soothing the nerves and diverting attention from self.

From Project Gutenberg

A feeling of lassitude possesses me, my feet drag heavily, and I experience great difficulty in mastering my sleepiness.

From Project Gutenberg

His mind seems to have become clouded, and the lassitude and ennui his work caused him is everywhere apparent.

From Project Gutenberg

Without doubt it was the effect of extreme lassitude, occasioned by continual thought and watchfulness.

From Project Gutenberg

There is experienced a feeling of lassitude, of being “easily tired out,” and a distaste for active exertion.

From Project Gutenberg