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

The next year was more of the same: The team losing its identity while coasting down the stretch, before being swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in three listless games.

From Los Angeles Times

There was listless offense at the plate both nights, amounting to one run off Arizona’s beleaguered pitching staff in 18 innings.

From Los Angeles Times

The Scottish champions - heavy favourites to progress - were listless in being held to a goalless draw by their Kazakhstan counterparts.

From BBC

Sean Garcia-Leys, a former member of the county’s probation oversight commission, said on one visit last year he found kids pacing around listless with nothing to do.

From Los Angeles Times

He said his party would be "demanding better than this late, limp, listless programme for government".

From BBC

Related Words

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