lethargy

[leth-er-jee]

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.

lethargy

/ ˈlɛθədʒɪ, lɪˈθɑːdʒɪk /

noun

1. sluggishness, slowness, or dullness

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

Other Word Forms

• hyperlethargy noun
• lethargically adverb
• lethargic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lethargy¹

First recorded in 1325–75; from Late Latin lēthargia, from Greek lēthargía, equivalent to lḗtharg(os) “drowsy” + -ia -y ³ ( Lethe, -algia ); replacing Middle English litargie, from Medieval Latin litargīa, from Late Greek, Greek, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of lethargy¹

C14: from Late Latin lēthargīa, from Greek lēthargos drowsy, from lēthē forgetfulness

Example Sentences

Depression was assessed through a questionnaire asking about depressed mood, disinterest, restlessness or lethargy during the previous two weeks.

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“Energy is showing some early signs of life after months of lethargy,” writes deGraaf, chairman and head of technical research.

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Spanish newspaper Marca wrote Madrid have "forged a new identity" and now "dominate, suffocate and subdue their opponents" -- a far cry from the lethargy of Ancelotti's final season.

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That lethargy, meteorologists warn, could be catastrophic as it means that a hurricane can bring rain to a single location for days on end, aggravating flooding.

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The US pontiff urged the world to rouse itself from "the fatal lethargy in which we are immersed".

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Related Words

• apathy 
• disinterest 
• drowsiness www.thesaurus.com
• inactivity www.thesaurus.com