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Definitions

listless

[list-lis] / ˈlɪst lɪs /
ADJECTIVE
spiritless, without energy
Synonyms
STRONGEST
drowsy dull inert lackadaisical languid leaden lethargic lifeless lukewarm passive sleepy sluggish
WEAK
absent abstracted apathetic blah bored careless dormant dreamy easygoing energyless enervated faint heavy heedless impassive inanimate inattentive indifferent indolent insouciant lagging laid-back languishing languorous limp lymphatic mopish neutral out of it phlegmatic slack slow stupid supine thoughtless torpid uninterested vacant
Antonyms
STRONGEST
active alert alive animated awake energetic enthusiastic lively spirited vivacious
WEAK
attentive untired

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.

The opening ballad, “Risk It All,” is pretty but listless, with Mr. Mars singing over a gently plucked nylon-string guitar until a relaxed syncopated groove folds in.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

Raducanu suffered a listless second-round exit at January's Australian Open and subsequently split with coach Francisco Roig.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

Against the Patriots, the Chargers appeared even more listless as Herbert struggled to connect with his receivers, completing 19 of 31 passes for 159 yards.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 13, 2026

The Treasury market moved in a listless fashion on Tuesday in response to the U.S. intervention in Venezuela — with traders more focused on a busy calendar week that includes Friday’s jobs report for December.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 6, 2026

“In talking with them I was amazed at their listless and hopeless attitude,” she said.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson