adj C1 Advanced

lethargic

luh-THAH-jihk

Lethargic (adj) means lacking energy or enthusiasm; sluggish and drowsy. Example: “The heat made everyone feel lethargic by mid-afternoon.”

adj

Lacking energy or enthusiasm; sluggish and drowsy.

"The heat made everyone feel lethargic by mid-afternoon."

"He'd been feeling lethargic all week and finally saw a doctor."

How to Use Lethargic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTired, sluggish, and without much energy or drive.

Easily confused with

lethargy →

Common pairings

feel lethargic lethargic and tired

Word Forms

more lethargic comparative, most lethargic superlative

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The heat made everyone feel _____ by mid-afternoon.

Etymology

From Greek lethargikos, from lethargos, "forgetful, drowsy" — built from lethe, "forgetfulness," plus argos, "idle, inactive."

Origin: Greek

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “lethargic” mean?

The word “lethargic” means lacking energy or enthusiasm; sluggish and drowsy. In plain terms, tired, sluggish, and without much energy or drive.

How do you pronounce “lethargic”?

“Lethargic” is pronounced luh-THAH-jihk (/ləˈθɑɹd͡ʒɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “lethargic” in a sentence?

Here is “lethargic” used in a sentence: “The heat made everyone feel lethargic by mid-afternoon.”

What part of speech is “lethargic”?

“Lethargic” is an adjective.

Where does the word “lethargic” come from?

The word “lethargic” comes from Greek. From Greek lethargikos, from lethargos, "forgetful, drowsy" — built from lethe, "forgetfulness," plus argos, "idle, inactive.".