Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

listless

[list-lis]
See more synonyms for listless on Thesaurus.com
adjective
  1. having or showing little or no interest in anything; languid; spiritless; indifferent: a listless mood; a listless handshake.
Show More

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. 2018

Examples from the Web for listlessly

Historical Examples

  • "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
  1. disinclined for any effort or exertion; lacking vigour, enthusiasm, or energy
Show More
Derived Formslistlessly, adverblistlessness, noun

Word Origin

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.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper