LACKADAISICAL Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

lackadaisical

adjective

ˌla-kə-ˈdā-zi-kəl

Definition of lackadaisical

as in listless

lacking bodily energy or motivation feeling particularly lackadaisical in the summer heat, they lazily tossed a ball back and forth

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 In the interest of not having to rehash the now-familiar back and forth, Ibrahimović stated that Lalas’ criticism of the French squad’s lackadaisical first-half efforts was rooted in ignorance, this despite the fact that his beef should have been directed at match analyst Landon Donovan. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 June 2026 Center fielder Alex Call made a lackadaisical throw back to the infield, but second baseman Alex Freeland threw a strike home to nail Lee with feet to spare. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for lackadaisical

Recent Examples of Synonyms for lackadaisical

Adjective

Marty Zweben Palos Verdes Estates Time for change The Dodgers look completely listless, and waiting for slumping veterans like Teoscar Hernández and Kyle Tucker to snap out of it is a losing strategy.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
Berterame started up front along with Luis Suarez, but the duo were unable to find the back of the net in a listless first half that remained scoreless as the teams headed to intermission.

— Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of listless

Adjective

That was especially common among Group of 6 fans, who are tired of watching their best players and coaches getting poached by wealthier programs.

— Manny Navarro, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
As the fascination with Ernetti grows into something unhealthy, Béatrice subtly grows more tired, more distracted, more irritable and desperate for answers, small changes Sellier conveys with a smart sense of restraint.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of tired

Adjective

Byblos Beach is for languorous lunches; La Réserve à la Plage for understated chic; Loulou Ramatuelle for Parisians-en-vacances chic; and Jardin Tropézina for White Lotus buzz.

— Lanie Goodman, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Two of Latin alternative’s gentlest souls combine their heart-on-your-sleeve electronic and indie-folk impulses for a breezy, languorous collaborative record.

— E.R. Pulgar, Pitchfork, 20 July 2026

Definition of languorous

Adjective

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, 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

Definition of spiritless

Adjective

By early afternoon, the scene shifts across the shaded wooden deck, as guests slip in from the jetty barefoot and still damp from the sea, for long, languid lunches that roll into dusk.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Newcastle yearned to win, to fulfil the dream awoken by Keegan — who died of cancer last month — and Isak was part of the team that finally did it, a languid forward with a kiss for a touch who scored at Wembley when Liverpool were beaten.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of languid

Adjective

Many African economies are in a much weaker economic position compared to the strong 2015-2016 El Niño, the IIF report said, largely due to higher oil prices, which have driven up transport costs, and a strong US dollar.

— Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Too much nitrogen in the spring creates a weak root system that isn’t able to withstand the heat and drought in summer.

— Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of weak

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“Lackadaisical.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lackadaisical. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of lackadaisical

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