Lethargic — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /lə-ˈthär-jik/ le·thar·gic

Meaning & Definition of Lethargic

Lethargic (adjective)

  1. of, relating to, or characterized by laziness or lack of energy, feeling or affected by lethargy, sluggish
  2. indifferent, apathetic

Lethargic (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. slow to move or act

    "a big meal always makes me feel lethargic and sleepy"

    similar: dull, inactive, inert, quiescent, sleepy, sluggish, torpid
    related: ambitionless, apathetic, indolent, languorous, lazy, lazyish, listless, shiftless, slack, slothful, sluggard, sluggardly, dormant, inanimate, motionless, resting, sedentary, static, still, dead, dopey, drugged, asleep, drowsy, somnambulant, catatonic, comatose
    opposite: active
    near: busy, engaged, occupied, working, animated, bouncing, dynamic, energetic, kinetic, lively, peppy, perky, spirited, sprightly, springy, vigorous, vital, vivacious, zippy, assiduous, diligent, hardworking, industrious, sedulous

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Lethargic

The most common words with a similar meaning to Lethargic:

dull, inactive, inert, quiescent, sleepy, sluggish, torpid

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Lethargic

Words with the opposite meaning of Lethargic:

active

Related Words for Lethargic

ambitionless, apathetic, indolent, languorous, lazy, lazyish, listless, shiftless, slack, slothful, sluggard, sluggardly, dormant, inanimate, motionless, resting, sedentary, static, still, dead, dopey, drugged, asleep, drowsy, somnambulant, catatonic, comatose

Near Antonyms of Lethargic

busy, engaged, occupied, working, animated, bouncing, dynamic, energetic, kinetic, lively, peppy, perky, spirited, sprightly, springy, vigorous, vital, vivacious, zippy, assiduous, diligent, hardworking, industrious, sedulous

Word Forms of Lethargic

Derived words: lethargically (adverb)

Origin & Etymology of Lethargic

Middle English litargyk, borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French litargique, borrowed from Medieval Latin litargicus, going back to Latin lēthargicus, borrowed from Greek lēthargikós, from lḗthargos "forgetful, sluggish" (of uncertain origin) + -ikos -ic:1

First known use: 14th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Lethargic

What does "Lethargic" mean?

"Lethargic" means of, relating to, or characterized by laziness or lack of energy, feeling or affected by lethargy, sluggish. As an adjective, it is defined as: of, relating to, or characterized by laziness or lack of energy, feeling or affected by lethargy, sluggish.

What is another word for "Lethargic"?

Other words for "Lethargic" include dull, inactive, inert, quiescent, sleepy, sluggish and torpid. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Lethargic" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Lethargic"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Lethargic". Common alternatives include dull, inactive, inert, quiescent, sleepy, sluggish and torpid.

What is the opposite of "Lethargic"?

Antonyms of "Lethargic" include active. Near antonyms include busy, engaged, occupied and working.

How do you use "Lethargic" in a sentence?

Examples of "Lethargic" in a sentence: "a big meal always makes me feel lethargic and sleepy".

Is "Lethargic" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Lethargic" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Lethargic"?

"Lethargic" is pronounced /lə-ˈthär-jik/ and divided into syllables as le·thar·gic.

What is the origin of the word "Lethargic"?

"Lethargic" comes from Middle English litargyk, borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French litargique, borrowed from Medieval Latin litargicus, going back to Latin lēthargicus, borrowed from Greek lēthargikós, from lḗthargos "forgetful, sluggish" (of uncertain origin) + -ikos -ic:1. First known use: 14th century.