What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sloth
Example
The sloth hung upside down from the tree branch. [sloth: noun]
Example
He was accused of sloth and lack of ambition at work. [sloth: noun]
Example
I feel like I'm in a state of sloth and can't get anything done. [sloth: noun]
lethargy
Example
She felt a sense of lethargy after staying up all night. [lethargy: noun]
Example
The patient's lethargy was a symptom of his illness. [lethargy: noun]
Example
The team's performance was affected by a sense of lethargy and disinterest. [lethargy: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lethargy is more commonly used than sloth in everyday language. Lethargy is a more versatile word that can be used in a wider range of contexts, including medical and scientific contexts. Sloth is less common and is often associated with moral judgment or criticism.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sloth and lethargy?
Both sloth and lethargy are relatively formal words that are not commonly used in casual conversation. However, lethargy is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels, including scientific and medical contexts.
