Word
lethargic
Phoneticslethar·gic
US/ɫəˈθɑɹdʒɪk/
UK/lɛθˈɑːdʒɪk/
Definitions
01physically sluggish
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. feeling very tired and slow, as if you have no energy to move.
adj. characterised by a lack of physical energy or vitality; sluggish and slow-moving.
“The hot summer weather made everyone feel lethargic and sleepy.”
“After recovering from the flu, he remained lethargic for several weeks, finding even minor physical exertion exhausting.”
02mentally indifferent
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. having no interest or excitement about things that usually matter.
adj. showing a lack of motivation, interest, or enthusiasm; apathetic in nature.
“The company's lethargic response to the problem frustrated many customers.”
“The administration was criticised for its lethargic approach to economic reform, which many argued was stifling national growth.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“A lethargic start to the second half featured Van Hecke ambling out of defence and losing the ball.” “Elena, who works in hospitality and as an actress in London, says she feels lethargic and "completely unmotivated" during her luteal phase.” Etymology
Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek ληθαργικός (lēthargikós), from λήθαργος (lḗthargos, “forgetful, lethargic”), from λήθη (lḗthē, “a forgetting, forgetfulness”) (from which Lethe (“river in Hades”)) + ἀργός (argós, “not working”). By surface analysis, lethargy + -ic.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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