LETHARGY Synonyms: 25 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'lethargy' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lethargy are languor , lassitude , stupor , and torpor . While all these words mean "physical or mental inertness," lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs. // months of lethargy followed my accident

Q: When would 'languor' be a good substitute for 'lethargy'?

The words languor and lethargy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love. // languor induced by a tropical vacation

Q: When is 'lassitude' a more appropriate choice than 'lethargy'?

The words lassitude and lethargy can be used in similar contexts, but lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health. // a depression marked by lassitude

Q: Where would 'stupor' be a reasonable alternative to 'lethargy'?

Although the words stupor and lethargy have much in common, stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants. // lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

Q: When is it sensible to use 'torpor' instead of 'lethargy'?

The meanings of torpor and lethargy largely overlap; however, torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness. // a once alert mind now in a torpor

lethargy

noun

ˈle-thər-jē

Definition of lethargy next

as in boredom

physical or mental inertness the doctor suspected that the patient's depression and lethargy were a result of seasonal affective disorder

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How does the noun lethargy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of lethargy are languor, lassitude, stupor, and torpor. While all these words mean "physical or mental inertness," lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs.

months of lethargy followed my accident

When would languor be a good substitute for lethargy?

The words languor and lethargy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love.

languor induced by a tropical vacation

When is lassitude a more appropriate choice than lethargy?

The words lassitude and lethargy can be used in similar contexts, but lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health.

a depression marked by lassitude

Where would stupor be a reasonable alternative to lethargy?

Although the words stupor and lethargy have much in common, stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants.

lapsed into an alcoholic stupor

When is it sensible to use torpor instead of lethargy?

The meanings of torpor and lethargy largely overlap; however, torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness.

a once alert mind now in a torpor

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of lethargy Symptoms like a fast heart rate, or shortness of breath, shaking and chills, confusion or lethargy. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024 Severe infections may include aches, headaches, elevated fever, lethargy, rashes, and blood in the urine or stool. —

Ahjané Forbes, USA TODAY, 21 Dec. 2024 More than 50% of people with chronic liver disease experience ongoing lethargy, with some conditions causing worse symptoms than others. —

Brittany Risher, SELF, 6 Dec. 2024 With little rotation on the pitch and rest between matches, lethargy is the hidden opponent the U.S. must also beat at Lyon Stadium on Tuesday. —

Lauren Merola, The Athletic, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for lethargy