spiritless

[ spir-it-lis ]

adjective

1. without spirit.
2. without ardor, vigor, zeal, animation, etc.:

   a spiritless reply to criticism.

ˈspiritless

/ ˈspɪrɪtlɪs /

adjective

1. lacking courage or liveliness; melancholic

Derived Forms

• ˈspiritlessness, noun
• ˈspiritlessly, adverb

Other Words From

• spirit·less·ly adverb
• spirit·less·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spiritless¹

First recorded in 1560–70; spirit + -less

Example Sentences

He thinks it spiritless to accumulate slowly by the sweat of his brow which can be got quickly by a loss of a little blood.

From Realm of History

These things sent us home sad and spiritless, notwithstanding the agreeable scenes we had been riding among.

From Project Gutenberg

Cash got up and went to the doorway, looking out over Bud's shoulder at the spiritless donkeys trailing in to water.

From Project Gutenberg

I used to think them spiritless, they were so different to any children I had ever seen.

From Project Gutenberg

To the new-comer they looked pasty-faced, spiritless beings.

From Project Gutenberg

In these respects they are infinitely superior to the timid, spiritless men.

From Project Gutenberg