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Synonyms

lethargic

American  
[luh-thahr-jik] / ləˈθɑr dʒɪk /
Rarely lethargical

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or affected with lethargy; drowsy; sluggish; apathetic.

    Synonyms:
    torpid, indolent, lazy
  2. producing lethargy.

    The lethargic heat and humidity of the day made me want to do nothing but nap.


Other Word Forms

  • hyperlethargic adjective
  • lethargically adverb
  • nonlethargic adjective
  • nonlethargical adjective
  • nonlethargically adverb
  • unlethargic adjective
  • unlethargical adjective
  • unlethargically adverb

Etymology

Origin of lethargic

First recorded in 1350–1400; from Latin lēthargicus, from Greek lēthargikós; replacing Middle English litargik, from Medieval Latin litargicus ( lethargy, -ic )

Compare meaning

How does lethargic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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.

During an interview at the scene of the crash, Woods was "sweating profusely" and his movements were "lethargic and slow", an officer wrote in the arrest affidavit released on Tuesday.

From BBC

A lethargic ding signals my arrival on the fifth floor.

From Literature

“If you rest too much, you just become lethargic,” the Pasadena sports icon said while handing out custom T-shirts to kids at his booth at the 2026 Black History Festival on Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times

That show is growing duller, and more lethargic and repetitive, by the day, like watching reruns of a canceled sitcom.

From Salon

"It was just a really lethargic performance in the first half, but the second half was everything I wanted to see."

From Barron's