Listlessness: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜•
Add to dictionary

listlessness

 

[หˆlษชstlษ™snษ™s ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

feeling of lacking energy or interest

Listlessness is a state of lacking energy or interest in activities. It is characterized by a general lack of motivation and enthusiasm. People experiencing listlessness may feel apathetic, lethargic, and uninterested in things that once brought them joy.

Synonyms

apathy, lack of motivation, lethargy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
listlessness

Usually used to describe a state where someone feels uninterested and lacking energy over a period of time. Often used when referring to someone's physical and emotional state.

  • After the long and stressful week, Tom felt a sense of listlessness and couldn't muster the energy to do much of anything.
  • Her listlessness worried her friends, as she seemed detached and unenthusiastic about life.
lethargy

Describes a state of tiredness, fatigue, or inactivity. It is often used to refer to physical symptoms and can sometimes imply a medical condition.

  • The hot weather caused a feeling of lethargy among the hikers.
  • After recovering from the flu, Carla still felt a sense of lethargy for days.
apathy

Used when someone is indifferent and does not seem to care about anything. This term can be used in various contexts, from personal feelings to broader social issues.

  • The meeting was marked by apathy, with most of the team members showing little interest in the discussions.
  • There was a general apathy among the citizens towards the upcoming election.
lack of motivation

Refers specifically to a situation where someone does not feel motivated to take action or pursue goals. This phrase is often used in conversations about work, studies, or personal aspirations.

  • John's lack of motivation to complete his assignments was affecting his grades.
  • She's struggling with a lack of motivation to go to the gym lately.

Examples of usage

  • I couldn't shake off the listlessness that had been plaguing me all week.
  • Her listlessness was evident in her lack of enthusiasm for anything.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Listlessness can be a symptom of various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
  • People experiencing this state often struggle to focus and may find daily activities exhausting.
  • Chronic listlessness may affect relationships and work performance due to a lack of motivation.

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the combination of 'listless' (meaning lacking energy) and the suffix '-ness', indicating a state or condition.
  • Listlessness has been documented in literature as far back as the 17th century, often described in the context of emotional states.
  • Historians note that the concept of being listless has appeared in various cultures, particularly in periods of significant social change.

Literature

  • Listlessness is a common theme in modern literature, where characters experience existential crises.
  • Famous works often depict characters grappling with listlessness during moments of deep introspection, highlighting the human condition.
  • Authors like Virginia Woolf and F. Scott Fitzgerald frequently explored the feelings of disconnection and absence of motivation in their characters.

Health

  • Physical health issues, such as chronic fatigue syndrome or sleep disorders, can lead to feelings of listlessness.
  • Engaging in regular physical activity is often suggested as a solution to combat listlessness and boost energy levels.
  • Nutrition plays a crucial role; a balanced diet can help mitigate feelings of tiredness and restore mental clarity.

Pop Culture

  • Listlessness is often portrayed in films and music, highlighting the struggles of young adults in modern society.
  • Songs capturing feelings of listlessness sometimes convey messages of seeking purpose or adventure.
  • Popular media frequently uses listlessness to illustrate the connection between technology, isolation, and mental well-being.

Translations

Translations of the word "listlessness" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น indolรชncia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคฆเคพเคธเฅ€เคจเคคเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Trรคgheit

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kemalasan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะปัะฒั–ัั‚ัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ apatia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็„กๆฐ—ๅŠ› (ใ‚€ใใ‚Šใ‚‡ใ)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท apathie

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ desgana

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท halsizlik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฌด๊ธฐ๋ ฅํ•จ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฎู…ูˆู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ lhostejnost

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ฤพahostajnosลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ— ็ฒพๆ‰“้‡‡ (wรบ jฤซng dวŽ cวŽi)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ brezbriลพnost

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ letilegheit

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตะฝะถะฐั€ะปั‹า›

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฃแƒกแƒ˜แƒชแƒแƒชแƒฎแƒšแƒแƒ‘แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ laqeydlik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ desgana

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,153 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.