SPIRITLESS Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'spiritless' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spiritless are lackadaisical , languid , languorous , and listless . While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life. // a spiritless recital of the poem

Q: When might 'lackadaisical' be a better fit than 'spiritless'?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and spiritless are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts. // lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

Q: When can 'languid' be used instead of 'spiritless'?

The words languid and spiritless are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness. // was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

Q: When could 'languorous' be used to replace 'spiritless'?

The words languorous and spiritless can be used in similar contexts, but languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity. // languorous cats lying in the sun

Q: In what contexts can 'listless' take the place of 'spiritless'?

Although the words listless and spiritless have much in common, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom. // listless hospital patients // listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

spiritless

adjective

ˈspir-ət-ləs

Definition of spiritless next

as in listless

lacking bodily energy or motivation he was spiritless and depressed for weeks after being fired

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective spiritless differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spiritless are lackadaisical, languid, languorous, and listless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

When might lackadaisical be a better fit than spiritless?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and spiritless are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of spiritless?

The words languid and spiritless are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When could languorous be used to replace spiritless?

The words languorous and spiritless can be used in similar contexts, but languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

In what contexts can listless take the place of spiritless?

Although the words listless and spiritless have much in common, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients

listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

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 spiritless Dance sections lacked charm; lyric passages were spiritless; the klezmer episodes in the third movement were strictly goyish. —

Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024 Yet the club dropped the contest in spiritless fashion, 6-2. —

Julian McWilliams, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Aug. 2023 Lil Wayne is not tolerating spiritless crowds at his shows. —

Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023 The studio setup looks familiar, but the operation itself is spiritless, bearing more resemblance to CNBC’s coverage of the stock market than to the typical sports show, whose belligerent repartee is familiar to anyone who has ever watched a game with friends. —

New York Times, 27 Apr. 2022 That hotel, which opened about a year ago, serves a drink called a Bee’s Knees with a Twist, which costs $19 and includes spiritless gin, lime and honey (cocktails with alcohol range from $21 to $28). —

Alyson Krueger, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2023 Hampered by a spare and spiritless screenplay, Smith gives a performance marked by facial expressions, physical movement and a Haitian accent that struggles to shake its studied quality. —

Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Nov. 2022 This coming holiday season, many glasses raised in Hollywood may be filled with spiritless spirits. —

Ingrid Schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Nov. 2022 Fall menu items include libations like the Hummingbird with tennyson black ginger and the Devil Mountain with a spiritless Kentucky 74. —

Amelia Arvesen, Outside Online, 26 Oct. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiritless

Adjective

The Blazers won on Sunday to break a five-game losing streak, but this team looked listless during that stretch.

— Zach Harper, The Athletic, 20 Jan. 2025
The Irish had 13 carries for 15 yards in the first half while looking listless on offense while trailing 10-3 at halftime.

— Terence Moore, Forbes, 19 Jan. 2025