listless
LISS-liss
/ˈlɪst.ləs/
Lacking energy, enthusiasm, or direction; characterized by lethargic disinterest.
Describes physical or mental limpness, as if the person lacks the internal force to move or care.
The story behind the word. In Middle English, 'list' meant inclination, desire, or pleasure (related to the verb 'to lust'). Adding the suffix '-less' created a word describing someone entirely devoid of desire or desire to do anything.
Word relationships
- lethargic: Lethargic emphasizes severe physical sluggishness, whereas listless emphasizes lack of spirit or motivation.
- limp: Limp refers purely to physical softness, while listless includes mental disinterest.
- energetic: Energetic means full of active power and enthusiasm.
- spirited: Spirited implies lively determination and vitality.
Commonly confused with
- restless: Restless means unable to sit still due to anxiety; listless means lacking energy to move at all.
Word family
- listlessly (adverb): In an unenergetic or indifferent manner.
- listlessness (noun): The state of lacking energy or direction.
Collocations
- listless glare
- listless manner
- feel listless
- listless movement
Idioms & expressions
- drag along in a listless state
Example sentences
- "The sick child lay listless on the sofa all afternoon, refusing even her favorite games." Medical observation
- "The hot, humid afternoon made everyone feel listless and irritable." Atmospheric writing
Memory hook
Without a 'list' of desires or things to do, you feel listless. Without desire to move.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'list' in terms of writing items down.
Fun facts
- The root 'list' here has no connection to shopping lists; it is related to the archaic word 'list' meaning pleasure or wish.
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