# lethargic

/ɫəˈθɑɹdʒɪk/ (US) · /lɛθˈɑːdʒɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lethargic
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. physically sluggish

adjective · CEFR B2

feeling very tired and slow, as if you have no energy to move.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. mentally indifferent

adjective · CEFR C1 · Formal

having no interest or excitement about things that usually matter.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- He felt lethargic after eating a large meal.
- The patient remained lethargic for several hours after the surgery, showing little interest in the world around him.
- The economy entered a lethargic phase, with businesses delaying investments and consumers tightening their budgets in anticipation of further interest rate hikes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.