lethargy
Americannoun
plural
lethargies-
the quality or state of being drowsy and dull, listless and unenergetic, or indifferent and lazy; apathetic or sluggish inactivity.
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Pathology. an abnormal state or disorder characterized by overpowering drowsiness or sleep.
noun
-
sluggishness, slowness, or dullness
-
an abnormal lack of energy, esp as the result of a disease
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 ( Lethe, -algia ); replacing Middle English litargie, from Medieval Latin litargīa, from Late Greek, Greek, as above
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.
There was a lethargy to Newcastle and you do not have to look too far to realise where the issues are for this leaky side.
From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026
Depression was assessed through a questionnaire asking about depressed mood, disinterest, restlessness or lethargy during the previous two weeks.
From Science Daily • Nov. 17, 2025
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.
From BBC • Oct. 28, 2025
The US pontiff urged the world to rouse itself from "the fatal lethargy in which we are immersed".
From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025
All her lethargy fled as the sound of giggles and running feet echoed down the hallway and into the parlor.
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
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.
