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.

There’s a chance both teams will decide it serves their interests to play a listless draw and share the orange slices.

From Salon • Jun. 11, 2026

When he did play, at the expense of the one signing who was playing well at that point, Ekitike, he looked listless and off the pace, poor value for money at such an exorbitant fee.

From BBC • May 30, 2026

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

In the 2016 interview with Mecurio, Nick said that he was listless and that “I had nothing to fill my time. I had nothing to look forward to.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

It lay near the stem, where it had fallen, listless, but its stomach was still panting and its eyes were still moving, expressing terror.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

Vocabulary lists containing listless

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