Lethargy: meaning, definitions and examples

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lethargy

[ˈlɛθərdʒi ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling of tiredness or lack of energy

Lethargy is a state of extreme tiredness and lack of energy. It can be a symptom of various medical conditions or simply a result of lack of sleep or overwork. Lethargy can make it difficult to concentrate or perform daily tasks.

Synonyms

fatigue, lassitude, weariness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lethargy	Use this when describing a state of sluggishness or lack of energy that is more mental and emotional. It often implies a sense of apathy or lack of enthusiasm. After weeks of monotony, she fell into a state of lethargy, barely having the energy to get out of bed
fatigue	This word describes a physical and mental tiredness, often as a result of hard work, exertion, or stress. It’s more clinical and can be used in medical or athletic contexts. He felt a deep fatigue after the long hike and needed a full day to recover
weariness	This word indicates tiredness that affects both the body and mind, often due to prolonged effort or stress. It's suitable for general use. His weariness was evident from the dark circles under his eyes after working late nights
lassitude	Use this when describing a condition of weariness accompanied by a lack of motivation or interest. It’s often more formal and poetic, suggesting a profound, existential tiredness. A sense of lassitude overcame her as she looked at the daunting pile of paperwork

Examples of usage

After a long day at work, she was overcome with lethargy and could barely keep her eyes open.
The illness left him with a feeling of lethargy that lasted for weeks.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Greek 'lēthargia', which means 'forgetfulness' or 'negligence'.
It entered the English language in the 14th century, primarily referring to a state of extreme sleepiness.
Originally, it was often used in a medical context to describe a condition of diminished responsiveness.

Health

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition where lethargy is a major symptom, affecting daily activities.
Certain medical illnesses like hypothyroidism and depression can lead to persistent feelings of lethargy.
Sleep disorders, such as insomnia, frequently result in daytime lethargy due to poor sleep quality.

Literature

In literature, lethargy often symbolizes a character's struggle with motivation or external challenges.
Classic works highlight lethargy as a metaphor for societal stagnation, reflecting the mood of an era.
Poets frequently use the imagery of lethargy to convey themes of despair or existential apathy in their writings.

Psychology

Psychological studies link feelings of lethargy to decreased motivation and low mood, often indicating underlying issues.
Lethargy can be a response to stress, leaving individuals feeling overwhelmed and unable to act.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used to help alleviate lethargy by addressing negative thought patterns.

Pop Culture

In movies and music, lethargy is depicted when characters experience boredom or a lack of ambition.
The trope of the 'lazy protagonist' is commonly explored in various forms of entertainment, showcasing lethargy's impact on relationships.
Popular songs often speak about lethargy in the context of love, signifying emotional exhaustion.

Translations

Translations of the word "lethargy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 letargia

🇮🇳 उदासीनता

🇩🇪 Lethargie

🇮🇩 lesu

🇺🇦 летаргія

🇵🇱 letarg

🇯🇵 無気力 (むきりょく)

🇫🇷 léthargie

🇪🇸 letargo

🇹🇷 letarji

🇰🇷 무기력

🇸🇦 سبات

🇨🇿 letargie

🇸🇰 letargia

🇨🇳 嗜睡

🇸🇮 letargija

🇮🇸 letargía

🇰🇿 летаргия

🇬🇪 სიზანტე

🇦🇿 letarjiya

🇲🇽 letargo

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,868, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17865 choicest
17866 affectation
17867 flickered
17868 lethargy
17869 cactus
17870 maximization
17871 starring
...