listless

[ list-lis ]

/ ˈlɪst lɪs /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR listless ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

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

Nearby words

listerism, listerize, listicle, listing, listing's law, listless, liston, lists, listserv, liszt, liszt, franz

Origin of listless

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

Related forms

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

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

Examples from the Web for listlessness

This listlessness was perhaps originally caused by oppression and misery, a hard life and cruel masters.
Sketches of Our Life at Sarawak|Harriette McDougall
His listlessness and amiability alike went out of him, and he sat huge and erect in his throne.
The Coming of Cuculain|Standish O'Grady
He complained of the listlessness and want of attention of the Indians to the truths by Mr. G., his spiritual guide.
Personal Memoirs Of A Residence Of Thirty Years With The Indian Tribes On The American Frontiers|Henry Rowe Schoolcraft
Out of the listlessness of convalescence my interests began to renew themselves.
Memoirs of a Midget|Walter de la Mare

The Court and the Faubourg roused itself from its listlessness and reserve.
The Duchesse de Langeais|Honore de Balzac

British Dictionary definitions for listlessness

listless

/ (ˈlɪstlɪs) /

adjective

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

Derived Forms

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