adj.
Pronunciation: ' la ŋ -gw ə d
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French languide, from Latin languidus, from langu ē re to languish ― more at SLACK
Date: 1597
1 : drooping or flagging from or as if from exhaustion : WEAK
2 : sluggish in character or disposition : LISTLESS
3 : lacking force or quickness of movement : SLOW
– lan · guid · ly adverb
– lan · guid · ness noun
synonyms LANGUID , LANGUOROUS , LACKADAISICAL , LISTLESS , SPIRITLESS 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>. LANGUOROUS suggests a dreamy boredom and delicacy that avoids unnecessary activity < languorous cats lying in the sun>. LACKADAISICAL implies a carefree indifference marked by halfhearted efforts < lackadaisical college seniors pretending to study>. 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 refers to a lack of animation or vigor that gives one's actions and words life <a spiritless recital of the poem>.