spiritless

American  

[spir-it-lis] / ˈspɪr ɪt lɪs /

adjective

1. without spirit.

2. without ardor, vigor, zeal, animation, etc..

   a spiritless reply to criticism.

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spiritless British  

/ ˈspɪrɪtlɪs /

adjective

1. lacking courage or liveliness; melancholic

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Other Word Forms

• spiritlessly adverb
• spiritlessness noun

Etymology

Origin of spiritless

First recorded in 1560–70; spirit + -less

Example Sentences

“Ben & Jerry’s will become just another brand like any other soulless, heartless, spiritless brand out there — that’s my concern,” Cohen told the Associated Press.

From Salon • Sep. 20, 2025

It was a typically spiritless ending to what was, without a doubt, a memorable spree of posting.

From Slate • Sep. 3, 2025

Shipp started the label because he was disappointed by assembly-line gospel records that sounded flat and spiritless in the early ’70s.

From New York Times • May 23, 2023

“Normally, a Wonder set is a buoyant experience that is littered with highlights. But his festival set was mostly flat and spiritless, as if performing there was an obligation rather than a pleasure,” wrote Hunt.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2022

His eyes had the opaque, spiritless surface of stone.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien