he was listless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was listless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is lacking energy, enthusiasm, or interest, often in a context of fatigue or boredom. Example: "After the long meeting, he was listless and struggled to stay awake during the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Hoffman remembers Nichols taking him aside when he was listless in front of the cameras, a couple of months into the shooting, and saying, "This is the only time you'll ever get a chance to do this scene.

The New Yorker

She and Lucien Laurin, who trains the five-star three-year-old, thought he was listless at saddling time, and, judging by the way he ran, both were sure something was amiss.

The New Yorker

And he was listless.

BMC Family Practice

But even at St . Louiss children's museum, he was listless and leaned against the wall.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was "listless and weak" according to his trainer, Paul Nicholls, "sick and lethargic".

The Guardian - Sport

He has been on a hunger strike for over a year and is fighting in court to stop the government from abusively force-feeding him, so he was listless, as is typical.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He's listless, a dreamer.

The New Yorker

Pettitte wondered why the Yankees were not more aggressive in pursuing him before he became a free agent and why they were listless after he became one.

The New York Times - Sports

At that point he was drinking, his marriage was on the rocks, his career was listless.

The New York Times - Magazine

Our waitress was listless.

The New York Times

The initial debate between Eck and Carlstadt covered extensive theological ground but was listless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was listless" to describe a temporary state of reduced energy or enthusiasm, often due to a specific cause like fatigue or illness. Ensure the context makes the reason for the listlessness clear.

Common error

Avoid using "he was listless" to describe a permanent personality trait. Listlessness implies a temporary condition, not an inherent characteristic. Use other terms to describe chronic lack of motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was listless" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a state of low energy or lack of enthusiasm to a male subject. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct statement. The examples show the phrase used in various contexts to illustrate a temporary condition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was listless" describes a temporary state of low energy or lack of enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While the phrase is generally suitable for various contexts, it is most commonly found in news articles and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the reason for the listlessness. For situations requiring greater formality, consider alternatives like "lethargic" or "enervated". Avoid using the phrase to describe a permanent trait, as listlessness implies a temporary condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was lethargic

Replaces "listless" with a synonym indicating sluggishness and lack of energy.

he lacked energy

Focuses on the absence of physical vigor.

he was apathetic

Highlights the lack of interest or concern.

he showed no enthusiasm

Emphasizes the absence of excitement or eagerness.

he seemed indifferent

Indicates a lack of concern or emotional response.

he was uninterested

Highlights a lack of curiosity or engagement.

he appeared spiritless

Suggests a lack of vitality or zest.

he was enervated

Uses a more formal term for feeling drained of energy.

he was languid

Implies a relaxed and unhurried state, often due to fatigue.

he had no get-up-and-go

Uses an informal expression for lacking motivation or energy.

FAQs

How can I use "he was listless" in a sentence?

You can use "he was listless" to describe a temporary state of low energy or lack of enthusiasm. For example, "After the long journey, "he was listless" and didn't want to go out."

What can I say instead of "he was listless"?

You can use alternatives like "he was lethargic", "he lacked energy", or "he was apathetic", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "he was listless" in formal writing?

Yes, "he was listless" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, in very formal contexts, you might consider using a more precise synonym like "he was enervated".

What's the difference between "he was listless" and "he was depressed"?

"He was listless" describes a lack of energy and enthusiasm, while "he was depressed" indicates a more serious mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest. Listlessness can be a symptom of depression, but it doesn't necessarily imply clinical depression.