lethargy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lethargy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of sluggishness, inactivity, or lack of energy, often in a physical or mental context. Example: "After staying up late, I felt a wave of lethargy wash over me the next day, making it hard to concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He wasn't helped by Sánchez – who, in stark contrast to Di María's lethargy, often seemed too determined defensively, closing down in central positions and therefore leaving Monreal as exposed as Valencia.

The Guardian - Sport

But even if DADT repeal's failure were due to Democratic lethargy, and gay voters were to get angry at Democrats as a result, America has a two-party political system.

The Economist

And like the greats, Mahfouz et al, they need coffee to banish lethargy and incite rage.

The Economist

Mr Schröder may be serious, too, in that he seems to have the personality, the energy and perhaps even the vision to shake Germany out of its current fin-de-règne lethargy and shove it in the direction of drastic reform.

The Economist

Neutral diplomats may call Cuba a communist paradise, but the tactful faces of the Russian experts carry a hint of their bafflement at the soaring hopes, the sunstruck lethargy, the eager conformism and the even more eager heresies of Caribbean socialism.

The Economist

The World Bank says Sierra Leone's bandwidth costs ten times more than it would in east Africa and 25 times the average American price.In this section Springtime in Sinai All fired up Sounding like the Middle East Kill and be killed www.africa.slow ReprintsIn Freetown's few internet cafés, web pages load with agonising lethargy.

The Economist

China's domestic research-spending is now poised to surpass Japan's in purchasing-power terms.An example of Japan's R&D lethargy is Hitachi, its third-largest company with some $100 billion in sales.

The Economist

Japanese people say they take heart from such commendations.As for the future, Hideaki Shiroyama, a public-policy expert at the University of Tokyo, says a big indication of Japan's willingness to shake off its lethargy will be the inevitable debate on nuclear energy that emerges from the disaster.

The Economist

If approved by Congress, this change would go into effect in November; the USSC reckons that it would reduce the federal prison population by about 6,550 within five years.Mercy, mercyCongress also seems to be shedding its usual lethargy on the subject.

The Economist

He writes that: "lethargy bordering on sloth remains the cornerstone of our investment style".

The Economist

Symptoms of deficiency include fatigue, shortness of breath and lethargy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a state of "lethargy", be specific about its cause or accompanying symptoms to provide a clearer picture. Instead of just saying someone is experiencing "lethargy", explain whether it's due to fatigue, illness, or lack of motivation.

Common error

While "lethargy" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more precise terms like "fatigue", "apathy", or "sluggishness" to convey specific nuances and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "lethargy" is as a noun, denoting a state of reduced energy or activity. It's often used to describe a condition of sluggishness, inactivity, and apathy, as shown in Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academic sources

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lethargy" functions as a noun signifying a state of sluggishness, inactivity, or lack of energy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. While it's a versatile term, writers should be mindful of the specific nuances they wish to convey, considering alternatives like "apathy", "fatigue", or "sluggishness" depending on the context. Overusing "lethargy" in formal writing may diminish the impact of your message; precision is key. Overall, "lethargy" is a well-established term with a clear and consistent meaning, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sluggishness

Indicates a slower pace or reduced activity level, similar to lethargy but potentially less severe.

listlessness

Indicates a lack of energy or enthusiasm, closely related to apathy but with a stronger emphasis on physical weakness, making it similar to lethargy.

torpor

Implies a state of inactivity, often associated with dormancy or hibernation, suggesting a deeper state of reduced activity than lethargy.

lassitude

Suggests a state of weariness or fatigue, emphasizing the physical exhaustion associated with reduced activity, similar to lethargy.

apathy

Refers to a lack of interest or enthusiasm, focusing on the emotional aspect of inactivity, unlike lethargy which can be physical.

inertia

Describes a state of resistance to change or action, emphasizing the difficulty in initiating activity, often resulting from lethargy.

inactivity

Describes a general lack of activity or movement, a broader term that encompasses various reasons for being inactive, including lethargy.

stagnation

Implies a lack of progress or development, suggesting a standstill in activity, whether physical, mental, or societal, akin to prolonged lethargy.

drowsiness

Refers to a state of sleepiness or semiconsciousness, focusing on the feeling of being tired and ready to sleep, a potential symptom of lethargy.

somnolence

Suggests a state of near-sleep or strong desire to sleep, which is a more intense form of drowsiness related to lethargy.

FAQs

How to use "lethargy" in a sentence?

"Lethargy" is typically used as a noun to describe a state of fatigue, sluggishness, or apathy. For example: "The patient complained of persistent lethargy after recovering from the flu."

What are some common causes of lethargy?

Lethargy can be caused by various factors, including sleep deprivation, poor diet, underlying medical conditions, or psychological issues such as depression. Addressing the root cause is crucial for alleviating /s/fatigue.

What can I say instead of "lethargy"?

You can use alternatives like "sluggishness", "fatigue", "apathy", or "lassitude" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lethargy" a symptom of a serious medical condition?

While "lethargy" itself is not a diagnosis, it can be a symptom of various medical conditions, ranging from mild infections to more serious issues like thyroid disorders or anemia. Consult a healthcare professional if /s/fatigue is persistent or severe.