listlessness
/'listlisnis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A state of being without energy, enthusiasm, or interest; lethargy. It describes a physical or mental condition where a person feels tired, sluggish, and unable or unwilling to engage in activity. 2. A feeling of indifference or lack of concern. It can refer to an emotional state of apathy or disinterest towards surroundings or events.
Usage
"Listlessness" is used to describe a person's overall state or mood. It often implies a cause, such as illness, boredom, depression, or heat. * It is commonly modified by adjectives like "general," "strange," "unusual," or "post-illness." * It can be the subject or object of verbs like "cause," "overcome," "feel," or "notice."
Examples
- The intense heat caused a general listlessness among the office workers.
- After recovering from the flu, she was plagued by a lingering listlessness.
- The teacher noticed the student's listlessness and asked if he was feeling well.
- He tried to fight the listlessness that had settled over him since losing his job.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical/Medical Context: "Listlessness" can be a symptom noted in medical examinations, especially in children or the elderly, indicating possible illness, nutritional deficiency, or depression.
- The infant's listlessness and poor feeding were concerning signs for the pediatrician.
- Literary/Descriptive Context: Used to evoke a mood of stagnation, ennui, or societal apathy.
- The novel captures the listlessness of a generation trapped in meaningless routines.
Variants and Related Words
- Listless (adjective): Having or showing little or no interest in anything; languid.
- The hot weather made everyone feel listless.
- Listlessly (adverb): In a listless manner.
- She stared listlessly out the window.
Synonyms
- Lethargy: A lack of energy and enthusiasm (very close in meaning).
- Apathy: Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern (emphasizes the emotional disinterest).
- Languor: The state of feeling tired and relaxed, often pleasantly (can have a less negative connotation).
- Torpor: A state of physical or mental inactivity; lethargy.
- Ennui: A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.
Antonyms
- Energy
- Vitality
- Enthusiasm
- Zeal
- Animation
Idioms and Phrases
- A wave of listlessness: Describes a sudden or overwhelming feeling of listlessness.
- A wave of listlessness washed over him as he contemplated the tedious paperwork.
- To sink into listlessness: To gradually become listless.
- After the exciting project ended, she sank into a state of listlessness.
Noun
- inactivity resulting from lethargy and lack of vigor or energy
- a feeling of lack of interest or energy