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Synonyms

spiritless

American  
[spir-it-lis] / ˈspɪr ɪt lɪs /

adjective

  1. without spirit.

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

    a spiritless reply to criticism.


spiritless British  
/ ˈspɪrɪtlɪs /

adjective

  1. lacking courage or liveliness; melancholic

"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

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of spiritless

First recorded in 1560–70; spirit + -less


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

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

From Slate ● Sep. 3, 2025

“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

And for 90 or so minutes in Kingston, the Americans never really came up with answers, looking mostly spiritless in a 1-1 draw.

From New York Times ● Nov. 16, 2021

In the biggest game of the season, with a chance to clinch the NFC East, Dallas gave a spiritless and clueless performance that should spell the end of Jason Garrett’s 10-year tenure.

From Washington Post ● Dec. 23, 2019

He was a blonde, spiritless man, anaemic, and faintly handsome.

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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