lethargic
luh-THAR-jik
/ləˈθɑːr.dʒɪk/
Affected by sluggishness, heavy drowsiness, or abnormal lack of energy.
Strongly emphasizes heavy, physical sluggishness and brain fog, often due to illness or heat.
The story behind the word. In Greek mythology, the River Lethe flowed through the underworld, and souls who drank its waters forgot all earthly memories. The term 'lethargia' entered Greek medicine to describe a state of severe, forgetful, sleep-like drowsiness.
Word relationships
- sluggish: Sluggish emphasizes slow movement, while lethargic suggests heavy exhaustion or deep sleepiness.
- torpid: Torpid suggests dormant or frozen inactivity, whereas lethargic suggests heavy fatigue.
- vivacious: Vivacious means attractively lively and animated.
- alert: Alert describes quick mental sharpness and readiness.
Commonly confused with
- lethal: Lethal means deadly or fatal; lethargic means sluggish or tired.
Word family
- lethargy (noun): A lack of energy and enthusiasm.
- lethargically (adverb): In a slow, sleepy, unenergetic manner.
Collocations
- feel lethargic
- lethargic economy
- lethargic response
- lethargic state
Idioms & expressions
- mired in a lethargic stupor
Example sentences
- "After eating a massive lunch, the entire team felt extremely lethargic during the afternoon meeting." Health and wellness
- "Trading on the stock exchange remained lethargic throughout the summer holiday week." Financial reporting
Memory hook
Drinking from the river Lethe makes you feel heavy and lethargic. Forgetfully drowsy and heavy.
When not to use
Avoid using to describe mere emotional indifference without physical tiredness.
Fun facts
- In ancient medicine, lethargy was classified as a specific physical disease characterized by continuous, deep sleep.
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