Word of the day · 8 June 2026
lethargic
/ləˈθɑːrdʒɪk/
adjective
Sluggish and lacking energy or enthusiasm.
In a sentence
- After the overnight flight the team looked lethargic in training.
- A lethargic market barely moved on the news.
- Heat made the afternoon feel lethargic and slow.
In an image
Origin
From Greek lēthargia (forgetful drowsiness), from lēthē (forgetfulness) and argos (idle); related to the mythic river Lethe.
History
Ancient medicine described lethargy as a drowsy, forgetful state. Modern English kept lethargic for people, markets and days that will not wake up. Illness, heat and boredom can all produce it. The word suggests depleted drive more than simple calm.
Nearby words
sluggish · listless · torpid
Heavy stillness in body or mood.