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

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

Read more on Barron's

Beginning in February, hundreds of dolphins and sea lions started washing up on California beaches, either dead or suffering from neurotoxin poisoning symptoms such as aggression, lethargy and seizures.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Signs of leptospirosis in sea lions include tightly tucked front flippers, severe lethargy and the animals drinking water.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

A "disappointed" Martin admitted: "There was just general lethargy and no speed in the first half."

Read more on BBC

Parasites in California freshwater fish can cause gastrointestinal problems, weight loss and lethargy.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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