lethargy

[ leth-er-jee ]

noun

, plural leth·ar·gies.

1. the quality or state of being drowsy and dull, listless and unenergetic, or indifferent and lazy; apathetic or sluggish inactivity.
2. Pathology. an abnormal state or disorder characterized by overpowering drowsiness or sleep.

lethargy

/ ˈlɛθədʒɪ; lɪˈθɑːdʒɪk /

noun

1. sluggishness, slowness, or dullness
2. an abnormal lack of energy, esp as the result of a disease

Derived Forms

• leˈthargically, adverb
• lethargic, adjective

Other Words From

• hyper·lethar·gy noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lethargy¹

First recorded in 1325–75; from Late Latin lēthargia, from Greek lēthargía, equivalent to lḗtharg(os) “drowsy” + -ia -y ³ ( Lethe, -algia ); replacing Middle English litargie, from Medieval Latin litargīa, from Late Greek, Greek, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of lethargy¹

C14: from Late Latin lēthargīa, from Greek lēthargos drowsy, from lēthē forgetfulness

Example Sentences

Early warning signs include heavy panting, lethargy, glazed eyes, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, staggering and bright-red gum color, says DeMel.

From Los Angeles Times

This kind of spectacle and the bouts of depression—involving symptoms like hopelessness, lethargy, and loss of interest in life—were the two distinct “poles” of the illness.

From Slate

He previously revealed in his memoir he had been "going through a bad moment" after he returned, suffering periods of lethargy and "terrifying panic attacks".

From BBC

Surveillance of the virus is also complicated by the fact that H5N1 infected cows show only subtle signs of infection — lethargy, decreased milk production, etc.

From Los Angeles Times

Between the new and unapologetically exuberant Democratic presidential ticket and the glorious Paris Olympics, the dog days of summer have shed their reputation for bittersweet lethargy and become the Season of the Vibe Shift, as antic as a rescue pup.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• apathy
• disinterest
• drowsiness
• inactivity