lethargy

American  

[leth-er-jee] / ˈlɛθ ər dʒi /

noun

• lethargies
  plural

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 /

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

Derived Forms

• hyperlethargy
  noun
• lethargic
  adjective
• lethargically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• lethargies
  plural

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

See Examples For:

lethargy lethargies

The lethargy in the labor market is highly unusual by historical standards.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 29, 2026

In addition to eye, skin and breathing problems, MMA exposure can cause headaches, coughing and lethargy, according to the EPA.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 24, 2026

It could have been very different had Rangers not lifted themselves out of their lethargy after finding themselves behind to goals from Ben Broggio and Finn Yeats after only 26 minutes.

From BBC ● Apr. 12, 2026

Symptoms in dogs include lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 17, 2026

After gathering a small mountain of firewood, her mania was fading, leaving her in a content, almost dreamy lethargy.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

For the students from the Child School, who have varying forms of learning or social disabilities, the daring river exertion seemed to relieve them of whatever physical lethargies they had.

From New York Times ● May 21, 2011

It has long been used by the Chinese in cases of headaches, lethargies, convulsions, colics, &c.

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg

Have we ever seen lethargies, or swoons, or syncopes last whole years together?

From The Phantom World or, The philosophy of spirits, apparitions, &c, &c. by Henry Christmas

Instances of parturition or delivery during sleep, lethargies, trances, and similar conditions are by no means uncommon.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Walter L. (Walter Lytle) Pyle

For my part, when I behold a fashionable table, set out in all its magnificence, I fancy that I see gouts and dropsies, fevers and lethargies, with innumerable distempers, lying in ambuscade among the dishes.”

From Advice to a Young Man upon First Going to Oxford In Ten Letters, From an Uncle to His Nephew by Edward Berens

Related Words

• apathy
• disinterest
• drowsiness
• inactivity