What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fatigue
Example
After running a marathon, I was overcome with fatigue. [fatigue: noun]
Example
She felt fatigued after working long hours without a break. [fatigued: adjective]
lethargy
Example
I couldn't shake off the lethargy even after drinking coffee. [lethargy: noun]
Example
The medication made him feel lethargic and unmotivated. [lethargic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fatigue is more commonly used than lethargy in everyday language, especially in medical contexts. Fatigue is a more serious condition that requires medical attention, while lethargy is often used to describe a temporary feeling of tiredness or laziness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fatigue and lethargy?
Fatigue is a more formal word than lethargy, often used in medical or scientific contexts. Lethargy is a more casual word that can be used in everyday conversation.