lethargic

UK: lɪˈθɑːdʒɪk | US: ləˈθɑːrdʒɪk

Definition
  1. adj. feeling sluggish, drowsy, or apathetic

  2. adj. characterized by a lack of energy or enthusiasm

Structure
letharg <forgetfulness>ic <adjective suffix>letharg <forgetfulness>ic <adjective suffix>
Etymology

lethargic = letharg<forgetfulness> + ic<adjective suffix>

  • letharg<forgetfulness>: From Greek lēthargos ("forgetful"), derived from lēthē (forgetfulness, oblivion) + argos (idle, inactive).
  • ic<adjective suffix>: A suffix forming adjectives, often from Greek or Latin roots.

Etymology Origin:
The word "lethargic" traces back to the Greek concept of lēthē, the river of forgetfulness in mythology, symbolizing a state of oblivion. Combined with argos (idle), it originally described a drowsy, forgetful state. Over time, it evolved to denote general sluggishness or lack of energy, retaining its connection to inertia and mental dullness.

Examples
  1. After the heavy meal, he felt too lethargic to move.

  2. The heat made everyone lethargic and unproductive.

  3. Her lethargic response suggested she hadn’t slept well.

  4. The medication left him feeling lethargic for hours.

  5. A lethargic economy struggles to recover from recession.