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

They looked lethargic in falling behind by 34 points Saturday while making one mistake after another on the way to a fourth consecutive defeat.

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And once again they were devoid of inspiration and energy in another lethargic display that left them languishing in 11th place, eight points behind leaders Arsenal.

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"He didn't throw his punches from round one. He was quite lethargic."

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Dr Em May Armstrong, a plant researcher, says the key is finding the balance between resting more and becoming too lethargic.

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Chelsea are also the division's top scorers with 21 goals from 11 games, but that would have been a difficult statistic to believe during a first half played at a lethargic pace.

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Related Words

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