Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective lackadaisical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of lackadaisical are languid, languorous, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

Where would languid be a reasonable alternative to lackadaisical?

The meanings of languid and lackadaisical largely overlap; however, languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

In what contexts can languorous take the place of lackadaisical?

Although the words languorous and lackadaisical have much in common, languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

When is listless a more appropriate choice than lackadaisical?

While the synonyms listless and lackadaisical are close in meaning, listless suggests a lack of interest caused by physical weakness or dissatisfied boredom.

listless hospital patients
listless children flipping through picture books on a rainy day

When could spiritless be used to replace lackadaisical?

While in some cases nearly identical to lackadaisical, spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lackadaisical Now then, some angry pundits will excoriate you for being so lackadaisical. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 As the netminder made his lackadaisical way back into into his crease, Kastelic fired it toward the net. Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 8 Mar. 2025 Moore really sells the arc from her disappointment in Kaffee’s lackadaisical approach to the case at the film’s start to nearly fangirling over his prowess as a lawyer by the end. Eddie Mouradian, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025 Joe Rogan’s Chats With Tech Moguls Rogan, known for his sprawling interests and wide array of guests, has often been criticized for his lackadaisical interviewing style and tendency to rarely push back on questionable claims. Dimitar 'mix' Mihov, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lackadaisical
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lackadaisical
Adjective
  • The golf comedy, created by Jason Keller and starring Owen Wilson as a disgraced pro who discovers a teenage prodigy, is listless and uninspired despite its likable cast.
    Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 3 June 2025
  • Jones shares the harrowing night his father lay listless on the floor in his home.
    Chris Dorsey, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Panthers survived an Aleksander Barkov delay of game penalty and McDavid slaloming through tired penalty killers only to be turned away by Bobrovsky’s stomach snow angel.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 13 June 2025
  • My therapist buffs and moisturizes my tired skin with nutrient-rich seaweed body polish and a firming mask before laying shiver-inducing strands of detoxifying fresh seaweed across my back.
    Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • In the summer, people here are too busy enjoying themselves—drinking on patios, reading languorous books, stretching weekends in Crystal Beach or Sherkston out over three, four, five days—to do much of any importance.
    Aidan Ryan June 4, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025
  • Warfare tells the harrowing story of their rescue in real time—even though much of this movie is constructed from long, languorous takes, the film moves forward in tense fits and starts.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The Senators looked spiritless days ago in their building Saturday night ahead of Game 4.
    Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Amid the spiritless spirits and a bevy of alcohol-free wines, ciders, and beers, luxury sparkling teas are comfortably the most exciting emerging trend in the low and no-alcohol sphere.
    Camille Berry, Vogue, 29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • The story’s epic scope is never matched by its languid unveiling, told in awkward conversation scenes where the pieces (and eyelines) don’t seem to fit.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 25 May 2025
  • However unpredictable the weather was, brisk one moment then warm and languid the next, the AFW showgoers still set out to celebrate all of summer’s biggest trends.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Today’s discerning little travelers—and their (presumably) exhausted parents—demand more.
    Forbes Staff, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • The world watched, and so did Venezuela’s exhausted population, over 90% of whom, according to opposition data, believe Maduro lost.
    Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 June 2025
Adjective
  • In sum, there is a weak case, at best, for some kind of standardization of non-financial KPIs.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Feeling Unusually Tired or Lacking Energy Protein is a crucial energy source, so when lacking, a person can feel weak and unusually exhausted—mentally, physically, or both.
    Jonathan Purtell, Verywell Health, 13 June 2025
Adjective
  • Gilroy, which is usually a sleepy town, comes alive during the festival, as locals are joined by travelers from across California and the country.
    Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 13 June 2025
  • Quintessential sleepy Old Florida, towns here are oak-shaded and feature locally mom-and-pop diners and restaurants.
    Kelsey Glennon, Southern Living, 8 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Lackadaisical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lackadaisical. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.

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