listlessness

American  

[list-lis-nis] / ˈlɪst lɪs nɪs /

noun

1. the state or condition of having little or no interest in anything.

   When overwhelmed by trauma, you can fall into a state of torpor or listlessness, where you can't even bring yourself to care that you don't care anymore.

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Etymology

Origin of listlessness

listless ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

The sight of so many Newcastle players jogging back as goalscorer Adrien Truffert drifted into the box undetected in the 85th minute summed up the listlessness that has gripped them.

From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026

She said veterinary societies and outreach organizations are urging vets to be on the lookout for signs of H5N1 infection, which could include listlessness, conjunctivitis, blindness, neurological symptoms and/or difficulty breathing.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2024

If they only attend private schools and all their peers expect to inherit, they might suffer from Rory Gilmore’s listlessness.

From Slate • Jan. 17, 2023

It captures the banality and listlessness that can fill a room even when it heaves with muffled danger.

From New York Times • Mar. 2, 2022

He was a tall, narrow, disconsolate man who moved with a crabby listlessness.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller