lethargy

noun

leth·ar·gy | \ ˈle-thər-jē

Definition of lethargy

1 : abnormal drowsiness

2 : the quality or state of being lazy, sluggish, or indifferent

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Choose the Right Synonym for lethargy

lethargy, languor, lassitude, stupor, torpor mean physical or mental inertness. lethargy implies such drowsiness or aversion to activity as is induced by disease, injury, or drugs. months of lethargy followed my accident languor suggests inertia induced by an enervating climate or illness or love. languor induced by a tropical vacation lassitude stresses listlessness or indifference resulting from fatigue or poor health. a depression marked by lassitude stupor implies a deadening of the mind and senses by shock, narcotics, or intoxicants. lapsed into an alcoholic stupor torpor implies a state of suspended animation as of hibernating animals but may suggest merely extreme sluggishness. a once alert mind now in a torpor

Examples of lethargy in a Sentence

However, on arrival, a mysterious illness had debilitated Darcus Bowden. An illness that no doctor could find any physical symptoms of, but which manifested itself in the most incredible lethargy, creating in Darcus … a lifelong affection for the dole, the armchair, and British television. — Zadie Smith, White Teeth, 2001 Warming himself ever so briefly had shaken away the lethargy and resignation and restored his will to survive. — Lois Lowry, The Giver, 1993 Dick Gale drew a long, deep breath. A coldness, a lethargy, an indifference that had weighed upon him for months had passed out of his being. — Zane Grey, Desert Gold, 1913 Then it occurred to me that I had shut the window before I had come to bed. I would have got out to make certain on the point, but some leaden lethargy seemed to chain my limbs and even my will. — Bram Stoker, Dracula, 1897 St. Clare knew this well; and often, in many a weary hour, he heard that slender, childish voice calling him to the skies, and saw that little hand pointing to him the way of life; but a heavy lethargy of sorrow lay on him,—he could not arise. — Harriet Beecher Stowe, Uncle Tom's Cabin, 1852 Symptoms of the disease include loss of appetite and lethargy. I snapped out of my lethargy and began cleaning the house.

Recent Examples on the Web

Head coach Steve Kerr, Griffin’s former mentor in Phoenix, prohibited lethargy in his system. — Jake Fischer, SI.com, "How David Griffin Rebuilt the Pelicans and His World," 1 Aug. 2019 After several days of strict adherence, the body pushes through a period of lethargy to arrive at ketosis. — Brad Japhe, USA TODAY, "Keto is no passing craze as restaurants cater to ketosis-loving crowd in LA," 30 July 2019 Lyme disease moving north On top of being an enormous health hazard to humans, Lyme disease can also harm dogs, causing lameness, fever and lethargy. — Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, "More dogs are getting sick as climate changes pushes diseases into new parts of the US," 15 June 2019 The lower trajectories offer minimal lag time for data to bounce between the ground and the spacecraft, overcoming the signal lethargy that’s limited internet-from-space schemes dependent on traditional communications satellites. — Bloomberg, The Mercury News, "Elon Musk’s satellites dot the heavens, leaving stargazers upset," 8 July 2019 Just think of it: drug induced lethargy, fiscal insolvency, tax increases, entrepreneurs fleeing and taking capital with them. — John Kass, chicagotribune.com, "After Gov. Pritzker, Boss Madigan budget, let’s change state slogan: Illinois-Shut Up and Take It.," 7 June 2019 Symptoms can include ocular and nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and seizures. — chicagotribune.com, "What you need to know about ‘zombie raccoons’ and how to protect your pets," 10 July 2019 Veterinarians report symptoms of peppermint oil poisoning in cats include difficulty breathing, trouble walking, excessive drooling, lethargy, muscle tremors, pawing at the mouth, redness or burns in and around the mouth, and vomiting. — Joan Morris, The Mercury News, "Seemingly benign skunk deterrent can be dangerous for cats," 14 June 2019 Symptoms are similar to human ones, including coughing, sneezing, lethargy and fever. — Cat Ferguson, The Mercury News, "Canine flu outbreak hits Oakland shelter," 20 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lethargy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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More Definitions for lethargy

lethargy

noun

English Language Learners Definition of lethargy

: a lack of energy or a lack of interest in doing things : a lethargic feeling or state

See the full definition for lethargy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

lethargy

noun

leth·ar·gy | \ ˈleth-ər-jē

plural lethargies

Medical Definition of lethargy

1 : abnormal drowsiness

2 : the quality or state of being lazy, sluggish, or indifferent

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lethargy

Definition of lethargy

Synonyms & Antonyms for lethargy

Choose the Right Synonym for lethargy

Examples of lethargy in a Sentence

First Known Use of lethargy

History and Etymology for lethargy

English Language Learners Definition of lethargy

Medical Definition of lethargy

lethargy

Definition of lethargy

Synonyms & Antonyms for lethargy

Choose the Right Synonym for lethargy

Examples of lethargy in a Sentence

First Known Use of lethargy

History and Etymology for lethargy

English Language Learners Definition of lethargy

Medical Definition of lethargy

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