languid

adjective

ˈlaŋ-gwəd How to pronounce languid (audio)
Definition of languidnext
1
as in languorous
lacking bodily energy or motivation a few languid dancers swayed about on the dance floor without much enthusiasm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in weak
lacking bodily strength the tired athlete's languid movements on the tennis court

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in leisurely
moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed the film's languid pace will not be to the taste of many moviegoers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective languid differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of languid are lackadaisical, languorous, listless, and spiritless. While all these words mean "lacking energy or enthusiasm," 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 lackadaisical be used to replace languid?

The synonyms lackadaisical and languid are sometimes interchangeable, but lackadaisical implies a carefree indifference marked by half-hearted efforts.

lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study

When is it sensible to use languorous instead of languid?

While the synonyms languorous and languid are close in meaning, 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 languid?

The words listless and languid are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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

In what contexts can spiritless take the place of languid?

Although the words spiritless and languid have much in common, 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 languid Built by Italian yard Benetti and extensively refreshed between 2018 and 2021, the 141-foot yacht combines François Zuretti interiors with generous outdoor spaces designed for languid days in the Balearic sun. — Dea Jusufi, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026 Some, like Zoë Kravitz and Harry Styles as well as Sarah Pidgeon and Joe Elwyn, have embraced picnic season with languid afternoons spent in London’s Hampstead Heath. — Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 19 July 2026 June is one of the best months to visit, with long, languid days and comfortable temperatures. — Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2026 The two shoreline explorers were out for a languid stroll in their bathing suits on the tip of Conimicut Point. — Mark Reynolds, The Providence Journal, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for languid
Recent Examples of Synonyms for languid
  1. languorous
  2. weak
  3. leisurely
  4. listless
  5. feeble
  6. slow
  7. tired
  8. weakened
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
  • 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
Adjective
  • At one end sits a cherry-red grand piano, and every afternoon, the young and talented Shefin Mathew plays classic tunes, setting the mood for a leisurely Champagne brunch at the Tea Lounge.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Spending spikes were sharpest in the afternoons and on weekends, while the longest, most leisurely trips happened in the evening.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of leisurely
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
  • Kenneth Branagh originated the somewhat aloof professor, who steps into the role after Professor Quirrell was revealed to be hosting the feeble Lord Voldemort on the back of his bald head.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Instead of using a mirror to gather starlight, MOTHRA has many telephoto lenses, like those on a camera, which can capture faintly glowing wisps of gas and other feeble emanations across a wider field of view.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of feeble
Adjective
  • Reseeding helps block weed growth, repel lawn diseases, slow soil erosion, and strengthen growth in bare patches.
    — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Critical thinking is based on the need for a deliberate, slow, self-regulatory pause.
    — Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of slow
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
  • Most often, those who do seek medical attention are people who are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, such as children, older adults, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems.
    — Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Most people recover within several days, but infections can become serious for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of weakened

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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on languid

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about languid

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