SPIRITLESS Synonyms: 64 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

spiritless

adjective

ˈspir-ət-ləs

Definition of spiritless

as in listless

lacking bodily energy or motivation he was spiritless and depressed for weeks after being fired

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for spiritless

Adjective

With his team facing fourth-and-3, his deficit at 21-7 early in the third quarter and his offense teetering between flat and listless, Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski stood on the sideline, eyed his players and clapped his hands.

— Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026
The Chargers, meantime, opened with three losses for the first time since 2017, and feature a listless, sputtering offense that lacks finish under first-year offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

— ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

Definition of listless

Adjective

And most of us are tired of paying for the playthings of millionaires and billionaires.

— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Airbnb guests who are tired of spending the final hour of their vacation stripping beds and scrubbing pans are about to get a break.

— Lena Borrelli, Fortune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of tired

Adjective

The age-old advice of keeping your passwords secure and being wary of suspicious emails is more important than ever as hackers gain more sophisticated tools and use AI to find more of the internet’s weak points.

— Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026
Analysts expect profits and assets to cover the dividend through weaker timber periods.

— Sebastien Chasse, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of weak

Adjective

But my favorite meals of each day were the long languorous breakfasts in the Salone Reale, among the grandest rooms in the hotel.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
She should still be blamed for giving in to the allure of billboards ten feet tall with languorous models.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of languorous

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spiritists

spiritless

spiritlessly

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“Spiritless.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spiritless. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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