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English Synonyms for Lethargy and Hopelessness Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

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Identify the synonyms of Lethargy and Hopelessness words in this online English synonyms quiz. Find the closest synonym for 39 vocabulary words. For each word, choose the option with the same or closest meaning. Review your scorecard with red/green highlights to spot mistakes and track improvement.

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Which word is a synonym for abject?
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Sunk to or existing in an extreme state, typically of hopelessness, misery, or humiliation.

It can also be used to describe something that is extremely poor or inferior in quality. For example, you could say that someone who is starving and homeless is living in abject poverty, or that a product that is poorly made and falls apart easily is an abject failure.

Complete Vocabulary List for Lethargy and Hopelessness with Meanings, Synonyms, Examples, and Quiz Questions

abject (adjective) /ˈabdʒɛkt/
Meaning: It can also be used to describe something that is extremely poor or inferior in quality.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to abject?
Options: wretched; exalted; noble; esteemed
Answer: wretched
Synonyms: dejected; deplorable; dishonorable; dismal; forlorn; pitiable; pitiful; worthless; wretched
Example: "They never thought such abject poverty coulde ever exist in their own country."

aimless (adjective) /ˈeɪmlɪs/
Meaning: When an action, activity, or behavior is characterized as aimless, it often implies that it is devoid of intention or meaningful objectives.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to aimless?
Options: purposeless; focused; directed; purposeful
Answer: purposeless
Synonyms: chaotic; desultory; directionless; drifting; goalless; haphazard; meandering; purposeless; random; undirected; unfocused; unguided
Example: "She felt aimless after losing her job and didn't know what to do next."

apathy (noun) /ˈapəθi/
Meaning: It is characterized by a lack of interest, enthusiasm or motivation towards something.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to apathy?
Options: indifference; enthusiasm; passion; interest
Answer: indifference
Synonyms: coolness; detachment; disinterest; dispassion; indifference; inertia; lethargy; listlessness; nonchalance; numbness; passivity; phlegm
Example: "The citizens showed apathy towards the political elections."

blasé (adjective) /ˈblɑːzeɪ/
Meaning: When someone is blasé, they may appear disinterested or unconcerned, often as a result of having experienced similar situations or events numerous times before.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to blasé?
Options: unimpressed; excited; enthusiastic; passionate
Answer: unimpressed
Synonyms: apathetic; blithe; bored; disinterested; indifferent; insouciant; jaded; lukewarm; nonchalant; unconcerned; unexcited; unimpressed
Example: "The celebrity seemed entirely blasé about the paparazzi following her every move."

despondent (adjective) /dɪˈspɒnd(ə)nt/
Meaning: When someone is feeling despondent, they often experience a profound emotional low, marked by a lack of enthusiasm, pessimism about the future, and a belief that their problems or difficulties are insurmountable.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to despondent?
Options: hopeless; hopeful; optimistic; cheerful
Answer: hopeless
Synonyms: crestfallen; dejected; depressed; desolate; despairing; disconsolate; disheartened; dispirited; downhearted; downtrodden; forlorn; melancholy
Example: "The news of his failure left him feeling despondent."

disinclined (adjective) /ˌdɪs ɪnˈklaɪnd/
Meaning: It describes a state of being reluctant or hesitant to engage in a particular action or to adopt a certain attitude.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disinclined?
Options: reluctant; eager; willing; enthusiastic
Answer: reluctant
Synonyms: averse; hesitant; indifferent; loath; opposed; reluctant; resistant; reticent; unenthusiastic; uninterested; unwilling
Example: "The student was disinclined to study for the exam, as he found the subject uninteresting."

dispiriting (adjective) /dɪˈspɪrɪtɪŋ/
Meaning: When faced with dispiriting circumstances or experiences, one's spirit is dampened, and a sense of discouragement or disappointment prevails.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dispiriting?
Options: demoralizing; inspiring; uplifting; encouraging
Answer: demoralizing
Synonyms: bleak; dejecting; demoralizing; depressing; disappointing; discouraging; disheartening; disillusioning; dismaying; gloomy; saddening; uninspiring
Example: "The constant rain made for a dispiriting vacation."

doldrums (noun) /ˈdɒldrəmz/
Meaning: When someone is experiencing the doldrums, they may feel a lack of motivation or direction, and struggle to find meaning or purpose in their daily activities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to doldrums?
Options: stagnation; activity; liveliness; energy
Answer: stagnation
Synonyms: apathy; dormancy; gloom; inertia; listlessness; malaise; quiescence; slump; stupor
Example: "The company's sales have been in the doldrums for the past quarter."

dormant (adjective) /ˈdɔːm(ə)nt/
Meaning: When something is described as dormant, it means it is currently not functioning or exhibiting its usual characteristics.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dormant?
Options: inactive; active; lively; animated
Answer: inactive
Synonyms: asleep; comatose; hibernating; lurking; quiescent; resting; sleeping; slumbering; suspended
Example: "The flower bulbs lay dormant until the spring thaw."

enervated (adjective) /ˈɛn ərˌveɪ tɪd/
Meaning: When someone feels enervated, they experience a profound lack of energy, vitality, or motivation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to enervated?
Options: exhausted; energized; invigorated; refreshed
Answer: exhausted
Synonyms: depleted; drained; exhausted; fatigued; languid; lethargic; listless; sapped; spent; tired; weakened; weary
Example: "After a long day of work, I felt utterly enervated and could barely muster the energy to cook dinner."

feckless (adjective) /ˈfɛkləs/
Meaning: The word "feckless" is an adjective that is used to describe a person who is irresponsible, carefree, and lacking in initiative or drive.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to feckless?
Options: ineffective; competent; capable; effective
Answer: ineffective
Synonyms: idle; incompetent; indolent; inefficient; inept; lazy; slothful; unambitious; useless; worthless
Example: "His feckless behavior was a constant source of frustration for his family."

flagging (adjective) /ˈflaɡɪŋ/
Meaning: It often implies a decrease in vigor, enthusiasm, or strength.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to flagging?
Options: declining; vigorous; energetic; thriving
Answer: declining
Synonyms: declining; decreasing; deteriorating; ebbing; fading; faltering; tiring; waning; weakening
Example: "Despite their flagging efforts, they managed to complete the marathon."

idle (adjective) /ˈaɪd l/
Meaning: When someone or something is idle, they are not working, moving, or producing any meaningful output.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to idle?
Options: inactive; busy; active; productive
Answer: inactive
Synonyms: dormant; inactive; languid; lazy; motionless; sluggish; stagnant; stationary; unemployed; unoccupied; unproductive; unused
Example: "The factory remained idle during the holiday season."

indifferent (adjective) /ɪnˈdɪf(ə)rənt/
Meaning: When someone is described as indifferent, it means they exhibit a disinterest or detachment, showing neither strong approval nor strong disapproval.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to indifferent?
Options: uninterested; concerned; attentive; interested
Answer: uninterested
Synonyms: aloof; apathetic; blasé; cool; detached; disinterested; heedless; inattentive; insouciant; neutral; nonchalant; uncaring
Example: "He was indifferent to the rain, continuing his walk as if nothing was out of the ordinary."

indolence (noun) /ˈɪn dl əns/
Meaning: It refers to a lack of motivation, energy, or initiative, resulting in a tendency to procrastinate or engage in idle and unproductive activities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to indolence?
Options: laziness; industriousness; diligence; activity
Answer: laziness
Synonyms: apathy; idleness; inaction; inactivity; inertia; laziness; lethargy; listlessness; passivity; sloth; sluggishness; torpor
Example: "The student's poor grades were a direct result of his indolence."

indolent (adjective) /ˈɪndələnt/
Meaning: Indolence suggests a lack of motivation or a reluctance to put in effort, resulting in a passive or lazy attitude towards tasks and responsibilities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to indolent?
Options: lazy; diligent; industrious; active
Answer: lazy
Synonyms: apathetic; idle; inactive; lackadaisical; languid; lethargic; listless; slothful; torpid
Example: "He spent his summer days in an indolent manner, lounging by the poolside."

inert (adjective) /ɪˈnəːt/
Meaning: An inert object or substance may be unresponsive to outside forces, unable to produce any effect or change in its environment.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to inert?
Options: motionless; active; dynamic; lively
Answer: motionless
Synonyms: impotent; inactive; listless; passive; quiescent; slack; sluggish; torpid; unmoving
Example: "The inert gas was used to create a stable environment for the experiment."

lackadaisical (adjective) /ˌlakəˈdeɪzɪkl/
Meaning: When someone is described as lackadaisical, it suggests a sense of indifference, laziness, or apathy in their approach to life's demands.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to lackadaisical?
Options: unenthusiastic; eager; enthusiastic; energetic
Answer: unenthusiastic
Synonyms: apathetic; idle; indolent; languid; lazy; lethargic; listless; passive; slothful; spiritless
Example: "The student's lackadaisical attitude towards studying led to poor grades."

laggard (noun) /ˈlaɡəd/
Meaning: This term is often used to describe a company or industry that is not keeping pace with its peers in terms of growth or innovation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to laggard?
Options: straggler; leader; front-runner; pioneer
Answer: straggler
Synonyms: dawdler; lazybones; lingerer; loafer; loiterer; lounger; shirker; slacker; slowcoach; straggler
Example: "The laggard in the race struggled to catch up with the frontrunners."

languid (adjective) /ˈlaŋɡwɪd/
Meaning: It can refer to a person who moves slowly or appears lethargic, or to an atmosphere or mood that is calm or peaceful.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to languid?
Options: sluggish; energetic; lively; vigorous
Answer: sluggish
Synonyms: apathetic; indolent; lackadaisical; languorous; lazy; lethargic; listless; slothful; sluggish
Example: "The tropical afternoon invited a languid walk on the beach."

languor (noun) /ˈlaŋɡə/
Meaning: It is often characterized by a feeling of listlessness, a reduced capacity for activity, or a sense of relaxation that borders on lethargy.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to languor?
Options: listlessness; vitality; energy; liveliness
Answer: listlessness
Synonyms: apathy; debility; fatigue; feebleness; lassitude; listlessness; stupor; torpor; weariness
Example: "The summer heat brought a pervasive languor to the town."

lassitude (noun) /ˈlasɪtjuːd/
Meaning: It is characterized by a feeling of fatigue and lethargy, making even simple tasks or activities seem challenging or burdensome.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to lassitude?
Options: weariness; vigor; energy; enthusiasm
Answer: weariness
Synonyms: enervation; exhaustion; inertia; languor; lethargy; listlessness; sluggishness; tiredness; torpor
Example: "The long hike left her feeling a deep sense of lassitude."

lethargic (adjective) /lɪˈθɑːdʒɪk/
Meaning: It can also be used to describe a person who is feeling weak or listless, or who lacks energy or motivation.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to lethargic?
Options: sluggish; energetic; active; lively
Answer: sluggish
Synonyms: dormancy; idleness; inactivity; indolence; languor; laziness; listlessness; slowness; torpor
Example: "After a long day of work, he felt lethargic and drained."

lethargy (noun) /ˈlɛθ ər dʒi/
Meaning: It is characterized by a profound sense of physical or mental exhaustion, where individuals experience a notable decrease in motivation, alertness, and overall activity level.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to lethargy?
Options: fatigue; energy; vigor; liveliness
Answer: fatigue
Synonyms: apathy; drowsiness; exhaustion; fatigue; indolence; inertia; languor; listlessness; sluggishness; stupor; torpor; weariness
Example: "After a long day at work, I couldn't shake off the lethargy and found myself dozing off on the couch."

listless (adjective) /ˈlɪs(t)ləs/
Meaning: When someone appears listless, they often exhibit a sense of apathy or indifference, and they may seem disengaged or unmotivated.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to listless?
Options: uninterested; energetic; enthusiastic; lively
Answer: uninterested
Synonyms: apathetic; enervated; inactive; lackadaisical; languid; lethargic; slothful; sluggish; spiritless
Example: "He was feeling listless and uninspired after a long day at work."

listlessness (noun) /ˈlɪst lɪs nɪs/
Meaning: It signifies a feeling of apathy, lethargy, or a general lack of interest in engaging with activities or pursuing goals.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to listlessness?
Options: lethargy; vigor; energy; enthusiasm
Answer: lethargy
Synonyms: apathy; despondency; disinterest; dullness; ennui; fatigue; indifference; lackadaisicalness; languor; lethargy; torpor; weariness
Example: "After a sleepless night, he felt a deep sense of listlessness throughout the day."

moribund (adjective) /ˈmɒrɪbʌnd/
Meaning: When something is labeled as moribund, it implies that it is no longer thriving or vital, and it may be on the verge of disappearing or becoming obsolete.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to moribund?
Options: dying; thriving; flourishing; prospering
Answer: dying
Synonyms: defunct; deteriorating; doomed; expiring; fading; fallen; sinking; terminal
Example: "The company was in a moribund state, with no signs of growth or progress."

poltroon (noun) /pɒlˈtrun/
Meaning: When someone is labeled as a poltroon, it suggests that they are easily frightened or intimidated, and they often display a willingness to abandon their principles or responsibilities in the face of danger or adversity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to poltroon?
Options: coward; hero; brave; courageous
Answer: coward
Synonyms: chicken; coward; craven; dastard; faintheart; milksop; pusillanimous; spineless; timid; weakling
Example: "He was labelled a poltroon for running away from the battlefield."

quiescence (noun) /kwiˈɛs əns/
Meaning: It describes a period of quietness or stillness, typically characterized by a lack of motion or sound.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to quiescence?
Options: inactivity; activity; commotion; agitation
Answer: inactivity
Synonyms: calmness; dormancy; hush; lull; peace; quietness; repose; serenity; stillness; tranquility
Example: "The serene lake's quiescence mirrored the calmness of the morning."

sedentary (adjective) /ˈsɛd(ə)nt(ə)ri/
Meaning: It is commonly associated with office work, where individuals spend most of their day sitting at a desk and not engaging in much physical activity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sedentary?
Options: inactive; active; energetic; mobile
Answer: inactive
Synonyms: dormant; immobile; inactive; motionless; resting; seated; sitting; static; torpid
Example: "The office job required long hours of sedentary work at a computer."

slothful (adjective) /ˈslɔθ fəl/
Meaning: It implies a state of laziness, sluggishness, or idleness, where one lacks motivation, energy, or initiative.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to slothful?
Options: lazy; active; industrious; diligent
Answer: lazy
Synonyms: apathetic; idle; inactive; indolent; inert; lackadaisical; languid; lazy; lethargic; shiftless; sluggish; torpid
Example: "The student's slothful attitude resulted in poor academic performance."

sluggish (adjective) /ˈslʌg ɪʃ/
Meaning: It suggests a state of lethargy, slowness, or decreased activity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sluggish?
Options: lethargic; energetic; active; lively
Answer: lethargic
Synonyms: apathetic; dormant; drowsy; dull; inactive; inert; languid; lethargic; listless; slow; tardy; torpid
Example: "The sluggish traffic made her late for work."

slumber (verb) /ˈslʌmbə/
Meaning: When someone slumbers, they are in a state of gentle and quiet sleep, often characterized by a relaxed and restorative quality.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to slumber?
Options: sleep; wake; alert; awake
Answer: sleep
Synonyms: catnap; doze; drowse; hibernate; nap; repose; rest; siesta; sleep; snooze
Example: "Weary from the journey, she longed to slumber in her own bed."

somnolent (adjective) /ˈsɑmnələnt/
Meaning: When something is described as somnolent, it suggests a strong inclination or tendency to induce sleep or drowsiness.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to somnolent?
Options: sleepy; alert; awake; lively
Answer: sleepy
Synonyms: dozy; dull; hypnotic; lethargic; narcotic; sedative; sluggish; slumberous; soporific; torpid
Example: "The somnolent atmosphere of the library made it an ideal place for a quiet nap."

torpid (adjective) /ˈtɔːpɪd/
Meaning: A torpid person or animal may be slow-moving and inactive, and may exhibit a lack of interest in their surroundings or activities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to torpid?
Options: sluggish; active; energetic; dynamic
Answer: sluggish
Synonyms: apathetic; indolent; inert; lackadaisical; languid; lazy; listless; slothful; unresponsive
Example: "After the surgery, he felt torpid and unable to engage in his usual activities."

torpor (noun) /ˈtɔːpə/
Meaning: It is often associated with a lack of energy, motivation, or enthusiasm, and can be caused by a variety of factors such as illness, depression, or exhaustion.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to torpor?
Options: lethargy; vigor; energy; alertness
Answer: lethargy
Synonyms: apathy; indolence; inertia; laziness; lethargy; listlessness; passivity; sloth; sluggishness
Example: "The hot weather induced a state of torpor in the normally active dog."

trudge (verb) /trʌdʒ/
Meaning: When someone trudges, they proceed with a heavy, dragging gait, often due to exhaustion, fatigue, or the weight of a burden.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to trudge?
Options: plod; sprint; race; dash
Answer: plod
Synonyms: hobble; inch; lumber; march; plod; shuffle; slog; stagger; stumble; tramp; trek; wade
Example: "As the snowfall intensifies, I trudge through the deepening snow to reach the cabin."

vegetate (verb) /ˈvɛdʒɪteɪt/
Meaning: It can also refer to a physical state of being in which a person is alive but unable to move or communicate, often as a result of severe illness or injury.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to vegetate?
Options: idle; activate; engage; participate
Answer: idle
Synonyms: bask; bum; chill; dawdle; exist; idle; languish; laze; loaf; relax; rest; stagnate
Example: "The desert plants can vegetate for months without water."

weary (adjective) /ˈwɪər i/
Meaning: It conveys a sense of tiredness, depletion, or weariness resulting from prolonged exertion, stress, or hardship.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to weary?
Options: tired; energized; refreshed; invigorated
Answer: tired
Synonyms: depleted; drained; drowsy; exhausted; fatigued; jaded; lethargic; sleepy; spent; tired; worn
Example: "The weary traveler fell asleep as soon as his head touched the pillow."

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