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

Example 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 in pets can include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and lethargy. —

Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 2 Feb. 2025 There is a general lethargy that can’t be blamed on any one programmer, line-up or festival. —

Mia Galuppo, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025 Signs of bird flu infection in cats include difficulty breathing, fever, lethargy, low appetite, reddened or inflamed eyes, discharge from the eyes and nose, and neurological symptoms such as tremors, seizures, incoordination or blindness. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025 Without exercise, the human body becomes less efficient at producing energy, which leads to lethargy. —

Lina Begdache, The Conversation, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for lethargy