listless

[list-lis]

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adjective

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

Origin of listless

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

Related formslist·less·ly, adverblist·less·ness, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for listlessly

lazily, languidly, sluggishly, calmly, comfortably, deliberately, easily, gradually, slowly, tardily, composedly, dilatorily, indolently, laggardly, lethargically, listlessly, torpidly, obtusely, densely

Examples from the Web for listlessly

Historical Examples of listlessly

"Does beat all how she kin do it," thought Wade, listlessly.
Dust
Mr. and Mrs. Haldeman-Julius
"I should be very glad to make you a present of them, Cousin Gussie," he said, listlessly.
Galusha the Magnificent
Joseph C. Lincoln
"No—I don't remember ever having said that to myself," she admitted, listlessly.
The Market-Place
Harold Frederic
"I daresay they're quite right," Lady Cressage replied, listlessly.
The Market-Place
Harold Frederic
"Yes—I'm very fit—thanks," Thorpe said, listlessly, and the other left him.
The Market-Place
Harold Frederic

British Dictionary definitions for listlessly

listless

adjective

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

Derived Formslistlessly, 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

Word Origin and History for listlessly

listless

adj.

mid-15c., from Middle English liste "pleasure, joy, delight" (see list (v.4)) + -less. Related: Listlessly; listlessness.