lethargic

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lethargic" is an acceptable and appropriate word to use in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that lacks energy, enthusiasm or alertness. Example sentence: After staying up late cramming for his final exam, Jake was feeling lethargic and had a hard time concentrating.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One human's self-doubt can be the end of another's life, and even with hate crimes on the rise across the US, that letter of our lethargic law means we'll never know about violence we're already not doing enough to prevent.

The Guardian - Opinion

North looked lethargic and lacked Brisbane's hunger following their dominant start.

The Guardian - Sport

The most obvious is that, as a result of its functioning democracy, zealous bureaucracy and timorous or lethargic governments, Britain has a slapdash approach to heritage.

The Economist

Fred Thompson was running at a paltry ten percent, perhaps a reflection of his lethargic campaign.On the Democratic side, Mrs Clinton led Mr Obama and Mr Edwards, 33 to 29 to 22. That's pretty close to the statistically significant polls, except that Mr Obama's button percentage is a few points higher.

The Economist

With many trapped, the toll could reach 50,000, the government said.In contrast with neighbouring Myanmar's lethargic and secretive handling of its cyclone ten days earlier, China responded to the earthquake rapidly and with uncharacteristic openness.

The Economist

The organisers say they are also considering giving a prize to the slowest cell, since lethargic cells would be a boon for cancer therapy.

The Economist

The government has been lambasted for its lethargic response to a pandemic that kills close to a thousand people a day.

The Economist

The Bribery Commission is appointed by the president and is notoriously lethargic on high-profile complaints.

The Economist

Sprint, an American long-distance carrier, will begin its first promotional campaign soon a good ten months after Iridium's launch; Telecom Italia, another lethargic distributor, is only now training its sales force to sell the devices.An advertising campaign last year, costing $180m, was meant to bring in 500,000 customers by the end of March.

The Economist

ITALIANS' enthusiasm for mobile telephones has prompted a rare display of marketing verve from their lethargic public sector.

The Economist

This attitude to Cortés prevails in poor, lethargic areas, strongholds of the Institutional Revolutionary Party PRII) that has ruled Mexico for most of the past century, often by peddling to Mexicans a narrative of oppression at the hands of outsiders.The same attitude can be found in what was to become the third Villa Rica de la Veracruz.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lethargic" in medical or scientific contexts, provide specific details about the observed symptoms or conditions to enhance clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "lethargic" to describe short-term or everyday fatigue. "Lethargic" implies a more persistent and significant reduction in energy and alertness, unlike the temporary tiredness after strenuous activity.

Linguistic Context

The word "lethargic" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of reduced energy, activity, or alertness. As noted by Ludwig AI, it indicates a lack of vitality or enthusiasm. Examples from Ludwig show it describing a "lethargic campaign" or a "lethargic government".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lethargic" functions as an adjective denoting sluggishness, apathy, or reduced vitality. Ludwig AI confirms that it's appropriate for use in written English. With a "Very common" frequency, it is widely employed across various domains, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias, reflecting a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. To improve writing, remember that "lethargic" should not be confused with simple tiredness, but refers to a persistent lack of energy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sluggish

Implies a slowness in movement or reaction, similar to "lethargic", but often focuses more on physical slowness.

apathetic

Highlights a lack of interest or concern, shifting the focus from physical state to emotional indifference compared to "lethargic".

listless

Suggests a lack of energy and enthusiasm, similar to "lethargic", but often implies a sense of melancholy or boredom.

torpid

Indicates a state of inactivity and reduced metabolic rate, often used in biological contexts, with a stronger emphasis on dormancy than "lethargic".

inactive

Describes a lack of physical activity or involvement, which is a more general term than "lethargic".

enervated

Implies a feeling of being drained of energy, emphasizing weakness and exhaustion more strongly than "lethargic".

languid

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried state, often with a positive connotation, unlike the negative implication of "lethargic".

drowsy

Indicates a state of sleepiness or near-sleep, differing from "lethargic" by specifically relating to sleepiness.

heavy

Describes the feeling of heaviness in the body, typically when having difficulty moving or feeling motivated. This is a less common alternative and less precise than "lethargic".

passive

Highlights a lack of active participation or resistance, focusing on behavior rather than the internal state described by "lethargic".

FAQs

How can I use "lethargic" in a sentence?

You can use "lethargic" to describe someone or something lacking energy. For example, "The government has been lambasted for its "lethargic response" to the pandemic."

What can I say instead of "lethargic"?

Alternatives to "lethargic" include "sluggish", "apathetic", or "listless", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe a company as "lethargic"?

Yes, you can use "lethargic" to describe a company or organization that is slow-moving or unresponsive. For instance, "Many governments are trying to shake up their "lethargic legal systems" in order to speed up bankruptcy proceedings."

What's the difference between "lethargic" and "lazy"?

"Lethargic" suggests a lack of energy or vitality, often due to a medical or psychological condition, while "lazy" implies a lack of motivation or willingness to work despite having the energy. Someone who is "lethargic" might be unable to act, while someone who is "lazy" is simply unwilling.