listless

[ list-lis ]

/ ˈlɪst lɪs /

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See synonyms for: listless / listlessly / listlessness on Thesaurus.com

adjective

having or showing little or no interest in anything; languid; spiritless; indifferent: a listless mood;a listless handshake.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of listless

First recorded in 1400–50, listless is from the late Middle English word lystles. See list⁴, -less

synonym study for listless

See indifference.

OTHER WORDS FROM listless

list·less·ly, adverblist·less·ness, noun

Words nearby listless

Listerism, Listerize, l'istesso tempo, listicle, listing, listless, listlessness, Liston, list price, list renting, lists

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use listless in a sentence

I had tried to keep a journal several times, but the words remained stuck in my mind and only a few listless, lifeless sentences came out.
Locked up in the Land of Liberty: Part II|Michael K. Lavers|July 14, 2021|Washington Blade
If you add too much water, or work it even a little too much, the gluten will get overexcited, and you will end up with something chewy and listless, rather than flaky and tender.
America forgot how to make proper pie. Can we remember before it’s too late?|Megan McArdle|July 1, 2021|Washington Post
Neuroscientist Daniel Levitin, author of this year’s Successful Aging, says “that’s not an unreasonable interpretation,” but he doesn’t settle for the view that aging after 40 is a long and listless mosey to the grave.
Outwitting the Grim Reaper - Issue 94: Evolving|Kevin Berger|December 23, 2020|Nautilus
Georgetown struggled from the field, but that didn’t excuse listless defense that was a step slow.
Navy outhustles Georgetown, scores its first win over the Hoyas since 1977|Kareem Copeland|December 2, 2020|Washington Post

The sideline looked listless as Washington scored 13 unanswered points, eventually winning 20-9.
Joe Burrow suffers serious knee injury, ending Bengals QB’s impressive rookie season|Sam Fortier|November 23, 2020|Washington Post
Jam is there because of the sudden death of her boyfriend, Reeve, and the listless state of major depression it throws her into.
The Thrilling, Traumatic Lives of Teens: The Fall’s Best YA Fiction|Hugh Ryan|November 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As I turned, my listless glance included the man below in the churchyard.
Read ‘The King in Yellow,’ the ‘True Detective’ Reference That’s the Key to the Show|Robert W. Chambers|February 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The New Republic enters the fray on the most important discussion of all time: Why do young people seem so listless?
Generation Meme|Justin Green|October 15, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The White House response to Tuesday's results has been listless at best.
Getting Obama Back in the Game|Richard Wolffe|November 5, 2009|DAILY BEAST
Instantly Eudora, who had seemed so listless, woke up with all the hospitality of her Southern nature roused to action.
The Cromptons|Mary J. Holmes
She crept down the stairs as if listless and bored with everything, but her heart was beating thick and fast.
The Weight of the Crown|Fred M. White
One day, feverish and excited, he played on in monotone almost listless.
The Fifth String |John Philip Sousa
The hours which he did not waste in listless indolence were divided between childish sports and childish devotions.
The History of England from the Accession of James II.|Thomas Babington Macaulay
Instead of being confiding and happy, she seemed listless, forgetful, and nervous.
The value of a praying mother|Isabel C. Byrum

British Dictionary definitions for listless

listless

/ (ˈlɪstlɪs) /

adjective

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

Derived forms of listless

listlessly, adverblistlessness, noun

Word Origin for listless

C15: from list desire + -less

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

listless

Origin of listless

synonym study for listless

OTHER WORDS FROM listless

Words nearby listless

Words related to listless

How to use listless in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for listless

Derived forms of listless

Word Origin for listless