What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
lackadaisical
Example
The lackadaisical employee was always late and never completed tasks on time. [lackadaisical: adjective]
Example
She approached the project with a lackadaisical attitude, resulting in poor performance. [lackadaisically: adverb]
lethargic
Example
After the long hike, he felt lethargic and had no energy to continue. [lethargic: adjective]
Example
The medication made her feel lethargic and sleepy all day. [lethargy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lackadaisical is less common than lethargic in everyday language. Lackadaisical is more likely to be used in informal contexts, while lethargic is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between lackadaisical and lethargic?
Lethargic is more formal than lackadaisical. It is often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe a physical or mental state of exhaustion. Lackadaisical, on the other hand, is more casual and informal, and is often used to describe a lack of motivation or interest in everyday situations.