What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
drowsiness
Example
I can't shake off this drowsiness even though I slept for eight hours last night. [drowsiness: noun]
Example
The medication made me feel drowsy and unable to concentrate. [drowsy: adjective]
lethargy
Example
The heat wave left me feeling drained and lethargic. [lethargy: noun]
Example
She was so lethargic that she couldn't even get out of bed. [lethargic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Drowsiness is a more common word than lethargy in everyday language. Drowsiness is a milder term that is often used to describe a temporary feeling of fatigue, while lethargy is a more severe condition that may require medical attention.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between drowsiness and lethargy?
Lethargy is a more formal term than drowsiness. While drowsiness can be used in both formal and informal contexts, lethargy is typically used in more formal settings such as medical or academic writing.
