listless

USAGE SUMMARY

"listless" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective which means lacking energy or enthusiasm. Example sentence: After working long hours each day, the employee felt listless and exhausted.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The protesters were listless in the midday furnace of the equatorial sun but their message was fierce and clear.

The Economist

Tired and hungry before their sundown breakfast, then sated and listless afterwards, millions of the faithful surrender to channel-flipping.

The Economist

Many of the AU's 400 staff seem listless.

The Economist

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

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is a pure reversal of the first presidential debate but on steroids: Biden was actually more assertive and even lively than Romney was, while Ryan is at times as listless and passive as Obama was.

The Guardian

"Do not talk of this to my father" he asks me, casting off his listless despondency as he contemplates his escape "but I am applying to become a policeman".

The Guardian

I'm a 44-year-old man who has bouts of a "fading away with hunger" feeling that leaves me tired and listless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr Obama's listless first performance will remind voters of a question as yet unanswered: what, exactly, would this president do with four more years in office?

The Economist

EVEN before the financial crisis, there was a lurking suspicion that bubbles were the only way listless rich economies could keep growth up and unemployment down.

The Economist

Schroders traces its roots back to 1804, when it traded in the tobacco, cotton and sugar markets; Cazenove started out as a stockbroking firm in 1823.The European Union and Japan agreed to start talks on a free-trade pact, thelatest instance of countries trying to establish trading arrangements outside the auspices of the listless World Trade Organisation.

The Economist

Mr Obama, in stark contrast, came off listless, soporific and completely outgunned.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a general lack of enthusiasm or energy, "listless" is a suitable choice. However, consider using more specific synonyms like "lethargic" or "apathetic" to convey nuances in meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "listless" when the intended meaning is closer to physical weakness or illness. In such cases, consider using words like "feeble" or "frail" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "listless" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a state of lacking energy, enthusiasm, or liveliness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples illustrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Encyclopedias

2%

The Guardian - Lifestyle

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "listless" is an adjective that describes a state of lacking energy, enthusiasm, or liveliness. Ludwig AI validates its correct usage, supported by numerous examples predominantly from news and media sources. While versatile, consider the nuances of synonyms like "lethargic" or "apathetic" for more precise meaning. Although mostly found in News & Media, the overall analysis positions it in a neutral register, making it appropriate for various contexts. Remember to avoid using "listless" when describing physical weakness, opting instead for words like "feeble".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lethargic

Focuses on physical slowness and inactivity.

enervated

Emphasizes a depletion of energy and vitality.

apathetic

Highlights a lack of interest or concern.

languid

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried quality, often to an excessive degree.

torpid

Implies a state of inactivity and sluggishness, both physically and mentally.

sluggish

Emphasizes slowness and a lack of responsiveness.

indifferent

Highlights a lack of concern or emotional involvement.

inert

Stresses a complete lack of movement or activity.

spiritless

Focuses on the absence of enthusiasm or vitality.

unmotivated

Highlights a lack of drive or incentive to take action.

FAQs

How to use "listless" in a sentence?

"Listless" is used to describe someone or something lacking energy and enthusiasm. For example, "The team played a listless game, showing no spark or determination."

What can I say instead of "listless"?

You can use alternatives like "lethargic", "apathetic", or "enervated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "listless" or "lifeless"?

"Listless" describes a lack of energy or enthusiasm, while "lifeless" describes something that is no longer alive or lacks vitality in a more fundamental way. They are not interchangeable.

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

"Listless" suggests a lack of energy or motivation due to feeling unwell or uninspired, while "lazy" implies a deliberate unwillingness to work or exert oneself.