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English expressions, clearly explained.

Lethargic Meaning, Definition, and Synonyms

lethargic meaning photo

Lethargicshowing very low energy and slow reactions describes a state of low energy, slow movement, or poor alertness. People use it for someone who feels drainedfeeling completely used up and lacking strength, sluggishmoving or working slowly and without much energy, or not mentally sharp, and it can also describe animals or things that seem inactive.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Pronunciation

AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).

Accent: General American English

IPA: /lə-THAR-jik/

Easy pronunciation: luh-THAR-jik (approximate spelling).

Stress: Stress the second syllable: THAR.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Lethargic Meaning

tired, sluggish, and slow to act

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: Having very little energy, alertness, or activity.

Example: After lunch, I felt lethargic and could barely focus.

Synonyms for this meaning:

  • unenergetic — Matches the core idea of lacking energy or activity.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Lethargic Synonyms

Similar Meaning

  • unenergetic

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Common Mistakes

  • Using lethargic to mean 'lazy' exactly. It can overlap, but lethargic usually suggests low energy rather than unwillingness to work.
  • Spelling it as 'lethergic' or 'lethargicly'.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does lethargic mean?

Lethargic means lacking energy, alertness, or activity. Someone lethargic may feel sluggish, tired, or slow to react.

What is a simple synonym for lethargic?

A close simple synonym is unenergetic. Depending on the context, words like sluggish or inactive may also fit, but they are not always exact substitutes.

Is lethargic a negative word?

Usually, yes. It often suggests that someone or something is too slow, weak, or unresponsive.

Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-10-12. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.

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