Definition of spiritlessnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective spiritless differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of spiritless are lackadaisical, languid, languorous, and listless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," spiritless refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life.

a spiritless recital of the poem

When might lackadaisical be a better fit than spiritless?

In some situations, the words lackadaisical and spiritless are roughly equivalent. However, lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When can languid be used instead of spiritless?

The words languid and spiritless are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, languid refers to an unwillingness or inability to exert oneself due to fatigue or physical weakness.

was depressed and languid for weeks after surgery

When could languorous be used to replace spiritless?

The words languorous and spiritless can be used in similar contexts, but languorous suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity.

languorous cats lying in the sun

In what contexts can listless take the place of spiritless?

Although the words listless and spiritless have much in common, 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

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 spiritless The Chiefs turned that spiritless first half into a 28-7 blowout Monday night against the Commanders, opening the second half with touchdown drives of 80, 75 and 94 yards. Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2025 From spiritless spirits to refusing to open up a bar tab, members of Generation Z are continuing to challenge alcohol traditions. Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025 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 Dance sections lacked charm; lyric passages were spiritless; the klezmer episodes in the third movement were strictly goyish. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024 Yet the club dropped the contest in spiritless fashion, 6-2. Julian McWilliams, BostonGlobe.com, 12 Aug. 2023 Lil Wayne is not tolerating spiritless crowds at his shows. Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiritless
Adjective
  • The Avs countered with a listless first period.
    Troy Renck, Denver Post, 14 May 2026
  • The latest instance was a listless 5-0 loss in the finale of a series against the Reds, who took two of three against them at Great American Ball Park, dropping their record to 16-25.
    Matt Kawahara, Houston Chronicle, 10 May 2026
Adjective
  • The film, which stars Hannah Einbinder as a filmmaker tasked with revamping a tired summer camp horror franchise with its cryptic lead played by Gillian Anderson in tow, is set to make its way to theaters this August.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 14 May 2026
  • Each day, after teaching classes for a local extension office, taking online courses and caring for everyone, Denise is just tired.
    Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 14 May 2026
Adjective
  • Because two years in, Kel’el Ware has been both a dynamic contributor and a lackadaisical bystander.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 2026
  • The Nuggets played lackadaisical 1-on-1 and pick-and-roll defense on the perimeter.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • But crucially, people are very exhausted by the amount of noise online and by AI slop.
    Angela Yang, NBC news, 15 May 2026
  • For just one example of how this firehose of data is expected to transform our understanding of the cosmos, consider supernovas, the brilliant death throes of exhausted stars.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Free agency is weak, so the best bet will be the trade market.
    Michael Russo, New York Times, 15 May 2026
  • The original vision of the Accords – of a rapidly expanding regional bloc openly aligned with Israel and integrated economically across the Middle East – has become a significantly weaker prospect.
    Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 15 May 2026
Adjective
  • Salah’s comments followed a limp 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa on Friday that increased criticism of Slot and questions about his future in the job.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 May 2026
  • Why Plants Wilt Reversing wilt begins with a basic understanding of what is going on in a plant when the leaves droop and the stems go limp.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • Inside the White House complex, a slightly languid mood, typical during a President’s foreign trip, prevailed.
    Antonia Hitchens, New Yorker, 14 May 2026
  • Summer was made for slow, languid days and stories that linger long after the final page.
    Michael Schaub, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • But, for those looking for something a bit more low-key with the languorous pace of the south, there’s always Puglia.
    Angela Tafoya, Vogue, 18 May 2026
  • In conversation, Cornish-Dale is cocky but likable, with a languorous way of speaking that reminded me of Simon Cowell.
    Helen Lewis, The Atlantic, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spiritless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiritless. Accessed 23 May. 2026.

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