Lethargic
/lɪˈθɑːr.dʒɪk/noun
Affected by sluggishness, drowsiness, or a lack of energy.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to Greek Lethe, the river of forgetfulness in the underworld, so its oldest meaning is tied to being made forgetful or numb by oblivion.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
lēthargikós
“causing forgetfulness or drowsiness”
Ancient Greek
Greek
lḗthē
“forgetfulness, oblivion; also the mythic river of forgetfulness”
Late Latin
Latin
lethargicus
“drowsy, sluggish”
Old French
Old French
léthargique
“lethargic, drowsy”
Late Middle English
English
lethargic
“drowsy, dull, lacking energy”
Modern English
English
lethargic
“sluggish, inactive, or abnormally drowsy”