lethargy

[ leth-er-jee ]
/ ˈlɛθ ər dʒi /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR lethargy ON THESAURUS.COM

noun, plural leth·ar·gies.

the quality or state of being drowsy and dull, listless and unenergetic, or indifferent and lazy; apathetic or sluggish inactivity.
Pathology. an abnormal state or disorder characterized by overpowering drowsiness or sleep.

Origin of lethargy

1325–75; < Late Latin lēthargia < Greek lēthargía, equivalent to lḗtharg(os) drowsy + -ia -y3 (see Lethe, -algia); replacing Middle English litargie < Medieval Latin litargīa < Late Greek, Greek, as above

OTHER WORDS FROM lethargy

hy·per·leth·ar·gy, noun

Words nearby lethargy

lethal midline granuloma, lethal mutation, lethargic, lethargic encephalitis, lethargize, lethargy, lethbridge, lethe, lethiferous, letitia, leto

Words related to lethargy

inactivity, disinterest, apathy, drowsiness, inertness, sloth, torpidity, sleep, languor, idleness, indifference, impassivity, dullness, unconcern, inaction, torpor, passiveness, listlessness, coma, inertia

Example sentences from the Web for lethargy

British Dictionary definitions for lethargy

lethargy
/ (ˈlɛθədʒɪ) /

noun plural -gies

sluggishness, slowness, or dullness
an abnormal lack of energy, esp as the result of a disease

Derived forms of lethargy

lethargic (lɪˈθɑːdʒɪk) or lethargical, adjective lethargically, adverb

Word Origin for lethargy

C14: from Late Latin lēthargīa, from Greek lēthargos drowsy, from lēthē forgetfulness

Medical definitions for lethargy

lethargy
[ lĕth′ər-jē ]

n.

A state of sluggishness, inactivity, and apathy.
A state of unconsciousness resembling deep sleep.