Learn how to use the comparative “drowsier” and superlative “drowsiest” with example sentences and differences.

What is the comparative form of “drowsy”?

The comparative form of “drowsy” is “drowsier”.

Example

After taking the medication, she felt drowsier than before.

Example

The long car ride made him even drowsier.

What is the superlative form of “drowsy”?

The superlative form of “drowsy” is “drowsiest”.

Example

Among all the students, he is the drowsiest in the morning.

Example

The heavy workload made her the drowsiest person in the office.

Why is this expression not used with most, more?

'Most' and 'more' are generally not used with drowsy, drowsier, and drowsiest. They’re considered regular comparatives and superlatives. The forms 'more drowsy' and 'most drowsy' are not used because they sound awkward. Instead, drowsier and drowsiest are the correct and preferred forms to use.

Does this expression have an irregular comparative/superlative form?

Drowsy does not have an irregular comparative or superlative form. It follows the standard pattern for forming comparatives and superlatives. So, to summarize: Comparative: Drowsy → Drowsier Superlative: Drowsy → Drowsiest

Expressions with similar meanings to “drowsier”

sleepier

Used to describe a stronger feeling of needing sleep

Example

The warm bed made her even sleepier.

more lethargic

Describing a state of extreme tiredness and lack of energy

Example

The hot weather made everyone feel more lethargic.

less alert

Indicating a decreased level of wakefulness and attentiveness

Example

The late-night study session left her feeling less alert the next morning.

Expressions with similar meanings to “drowsiest”

sleepiest

Similar to drowsiest, this emphasizes a strong need for sleep

Example

After pulling an all-nighter, she was the sleepiest person in the room.

most lethargic

Describing the highest level of tiredness and lack of energy

Example

The exhausting hike left them feeling the most lethargic they had ever been.

least alert

Indicating the lowest level of wakefulness and attentiveness

Example

The early morning meeting found him to be the least alert person in the room.

Using than with comparative “drowsier”

When using the comparative form drowsier to compare two things, you would use than to connect the two parts of the comparison: Example: "She feels drowsier than her friend." Here, than is used to show that the level of drowsiness of 'her' is greater than the level of drowsiness of her friend.

How can I use this expression in context?

“drowsier” and “drowsiest” can be used in a variety of situations to compare speed.

• 1. Medication

  The new allergy medicine made her feel even drowsier.

  The new allergy medicine made her feel even drowsier.

• 2. Workload

  The heavy workload left him as the drowsiest person in the office.

  The heavy workload left him as the drowsiest person in the office.

• 3. Weather

  The rainy day made everyone feel drowsier than usual.

  The rainy day made everyone feel drowsier than usual.

• 4. Lack of Sleep

  After pulling an all-nighter, she was the drowsiest person in the room.

  After pulling an all-nighter, she was the drowsiest person in the room.

• 5. Fatigue

  The long hike left them feeling the drowsiest they had ever been.

  The long hike left them feeling the drowsiest they had ever been.

Related idioms and phrases

Hit the hay

To go to bed or go to sleep.

Example

I'm exhausted, I think it's time to hit the hay.

Burning the candle at both ends

To work or stay awake late into the night and then wake up early in the morning.

Example

She's been burning the candle at both ends trying to meet her deadlines.

Eyes like lead

Describing heavy or tired eyes.

Example

After a long day at work, her eyes felt like lead.