listless

[ list-lis ]

adjective

1. having or showing little or no interest in anything; languid; spiritless; indifferent:

   a listless mood;

   a listless handshake.

listless

/ ˈlɪstlɪs /

adjective

1. disinclined for any effort or exertion; lacking vigour, enthusiasm, or energy

Derived Forms

• ˈlistlessly, adverb
• ˈlistlessness, noun

Other Words From

• list·less·ly adverb
• list·less·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of listless¹

First recorded in 1400–50, listless is from the late Middle English word lystles. See list ⁴, -less

Word History and Origins

Origin of listless¹

C15: from list desire + -less

Synonym Study

See indifference.

Example Sentences

On June 27, a CNN debate essentially settled the matter, as Biden appeared listless and unable to fend off Trump.

From Los Angeles Times

Liverpool put themselves in a tough spot as they trailed Brighton at half-time at Anfield on Saturday before winning 2-1, once again looking listless and lifeless until the spark was provided by Diaz's deadlock-breaker after 61 minutes.

From BBC

But one of them has run a ragged, undisciplined and often listless campaign, increasingly focused on blatantly false claims and hateful invective, and without the slightest pretense of “moderation” or unifying rhetoric.

From Salon

She took a few more listless steps, the video shows.

From Los Angeles Times

Or why they’ve been so listless in their coverage of Trump’s threats to sic the military on the “enemy within”?

From Salon

Related Words

• drowsy
• dull
• inert
• lackadaisical
• languid
• leaden
• lethargic
• lifeless
• lukewarm
• passive
• sleepy
• sluggish