listless

[list-lis]

adjective

1. having or showing little or no interest in anything; languid; spiritless; indifferent.

   a listless mood;

   a listless handshake.

listless

/ ˈlɪstlɪs /

adjective

1. disinclined for any effort or exertion; lacking vigour, enthusiasm, or energy

Other Word Forms

• listlessly adverb
• listlessness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of listless¹

First recorded in 1400–50, listless is from the late Middle English word lystles. See list ⁴, -less

Word History and Origins

Origin of listless¹

C15: from list desire + _-less

Synonym Study

See indifference.

Example Sentences

Shares of the EV maker have been listless since the company’s Nov. 6 annual meeting, when investors learned that shareholders voted in favor of CEO Elon Musk’s giant pay package.

Read more on Barron's

Shares have been listless since the company’s Nov. 6 annual meeting, down about $6 entering the day.

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The absence of policy initiatives and a record-setting government shutdown lend the impression of an aloof and listless GOP.

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The listless team of the previous two games was gone.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The dearth of data in a government shutdown, which is now in its 16th day, had created a landscape that left the market listless.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• drowsy 
• dull 
• inert 
• lackadaisical 
• languid 
• leaden 
• lethargic 
• lifeless 
• lukewarm 
• passive 
• sleepy 
• sluggish