lethargic

/le'θɑ:dʤik/ Cách viết khác : (lethargical) /le'θɑ:dʤikəl/
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lethargic

The lethargic cat naps in the sunny window.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Deficient in alertness or activity; sluggish, drowsy, or apathetic: Describes a state of abnormal drowsiness, lack of energy, or indifference, often due to illness, fatigue, or other conditions.
    • Characterized by lethargy: Pertaining to or affected by a lack of physical or mental energy.
Usage

The adjective "lethargic" is used to describe a person, animal, or even an economy/market that is abnormally slow, sleepy, or lacking in energy and enthusiasm. It often implies a pathological or unusual state of inactivity, not merely being tired.

Examples
  • Describing a person:
    • After the long illness, she felt weak and lethargic for weeks.
    • The medication made him feel too lethargic to concentrate on his work.
  • Describing an animal:
    • The lethargic cat slept all day in the sun.
    • Bullfrogs became lethargic with the first cold nights.
  • Describing a system or activity:
    • Trading was lethargic on the stock exchange today.
    • The company's lethargic response to the crisis frustrated its customers.
Advanced Usage
  • Medical/Clinical Context: Used to describe a symptom of various conditions, such as infections, depression, or metabolic disorders.
    • The patient presented with a fever and a lethargic state.
  • Figurative Use: Can describe non-physical entities like organizations or processes that are slow and unresponsive.
    • The bureaucracy's lethargic pace hindered progress.
Variants and Related Words
  • Lethargy (noun): The state of being lethargic; sluggishness or apathy.
    • A state of profound lethargy overwhelmed him.
  • Lethargically (adverb): In a lethargic manner.
    • He moved lethargically through his morning routine.
Synonyms
  • Sluggish: Slow-moving or inactive.
  • Languid: Displaying a disinclination for physical exertion; slow and relaxed.
  • Listless: Lacking energy or enthusiasm.
  • Torpid: Mentally or physically inactive; dormant.
  • Apathetic: Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.
Antonyms
  • Energetic: Showing or involving great activity or vitality.
  • Vigorous: Strong, healthy, and full of energy.
  • Active: Engaging or ready to engage in physically energetic pursuits.
  • Alert: Quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances; vigilant.
  • Dynamic: (Of a process or system) characterized by constant change, activity, or progress.
Idioms and Phrases
  • To fall into a lethargic state: To become lethargic.
    • After overworking for months, he finally fell into a lethargic state.
  • Lethargic as a sloth: A simile emphasizing extreme slowness or inactivity.
    • On Monday mornings, I feel as lethargic as a sloth.
lethargic

The lethargic cat naps in the sunny window.

Adjective
  1. deficient in alertness or activity
    • bullfrogs became lethargic with the first cold nights