listless gaze

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "listless gaze" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a look or expression that shows a lack of energy, interest, or enthusiasm, often conveying a sense of boredom or apathy. Example: "She sat by the window, staring out with a listless gaze, lost in her thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Steavenson, used to Georgian resourcefulness (like the art of running an electricity meter backwards) was depressed by the stagnation of Abkhazia: 'its head was down and its listless subsistence gaze directed at the pavement'.

The Guardian - Books

And if "culture" means vast queues of listless tourists gazing at plasma screens, personally I want none of it.

Independent

Dad ordered two bottles of red wine, I lit a cigarette and gazed at him through listless eyes.

The New Yorker

Under Reno's gaze, New York in the late 1970s is a listless place.

The Guardian - Books

Appeared listless.

The Guardian - Sport

Were listless.

The Guardian - Sport

Our waitress was listless.

The New York Times

Others were dull and listless.

The New Yorker

George Bush was listless and confused.

The Economist

The beans were listless.

The New York Times - Food

They looked listless and uncompetitive.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "listless gaze" to depict characters experiencing boredom, depression, or a general lack of enthusiasm. It's particularly effective in conveying a sense of stagnation or hopelessness.

Common error

Avoid using "listless gaze" in scenes that require dynamism or high energy. It's more suitable for quieter, reflective moments or to highlight a character's internal state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "listless gaze" functions primarily as a descriptive element, combining an adjective ("listless") with a noun ("gaze") to depict a specific quality of someone's look. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "listless gaze" is a descriptive term used to portray a look lacking energy, interest, or enthusiasm. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare in occurrence, it is primarily found in news and media contexts. It effectively conveys apathy, boredom, or a general lack of engagement, making it useful for depicting characters in reflective or stagnant situations. Alternatives such as "apathetic stare" or "vacant look" can be used to achieve similar effects, depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apathetic stare

Emphasizes a lack of emotion or concern in the look.

vacant look

Highlights the emptiness or lack of understanding in the expression.

dull gaze

Focuses on the lack of brightness or animation in the eyes.

lifeless stare

Suggests a lack of vitality or energy in the look.

uninterested look

Directly indicates a lack of interest or engagement.

torpid gaze

Implies sluggishness and inactivity in the expression.

lethargic look

Conveys a sense of weariness and slowness in the expression.

languid gaze

Suggests a relaxed or unhurried quality in the look.

expressionless stare

Focuses on the absence of any emotion or feeling in the expression.

heavy-lidded eyes

Describes the physical appearance associated with weariness or boredom.

FAQs

How can I use "listless gaze" in a sentence?

You can use "listless gaze" to describe someone's expression when they are bored, tired, or lacking interest. For example, "She stared out the window with a "listless gaze", lost in her thoughts".

What does "listless gaze" mean?

"Listless gaze" refers to a look that shows a lack of energy, enthusiasm, or interest, often suggesting boredom or apathy.

What are some alternatives to "listless gaze"?

Some alternatives include "apathetic stare", "vacant look", or "dull gaze". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "listless gaze" a formal or informal expression?

"Listless gaze" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's more about the descriptive quality than the level of formality.