languor

American  

[lang-ger] / ˈlæŋ gər /

noun

1. lack of energy or vitality; sluggishness.

2. lack of spirit or interest; listlessness; stagnation.

3. physical weakness or faintness.

4. emotional softness or tenderness.

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languor British  

/ ˈlæŋɡə /

noun

1. physical or mental laziness or weariness

2. a feeling of dreaminess and relaxation

3. oppressive silence or stillness

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Etymology

Origin of languor

1250–1300; < Latin ( languish, -or ¹ ); replacing Middle English langour sickness, woe < Old French < Latin

Example Sentences

For the first time, I could picture the legendary tropical city of Malayan sampans, Chinese street hawkers and British colonial languor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

The new wave languor of “Two Lovers” was concocted in tandem with synth-pop wizard Vince Clarke.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2025

But despite reminding those who mention the Jedi and its protocols that the Order no longer exists, this Ahsoka certainly behaves like one to the point of almost verging into languor.

From Salon • Aug. 23, 2023

“But it was the sadness of an artist, a sadness tinged with languor and a sadness against which his artistry stood out in high relief in a manner that was quite extraordinary.”

From New York Times • May 3, 2022

Immediately, however, a deadly languor took possession of her and she fell into a heavy sleep.

From "Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes" by Edith Hamilton

Related Words

• inactivity
• tiredness