unspirited

Unspirited is an adjective used to describe a person, mood, or thing that lacks energy, enthusiasm, or vitality. It conveys a sense of spiritlessness or dullness beyond simple fatigue, often implying a discouraging or defeating atmosphere.

Etymology: The term is formed from un- plus spirited, with "spirited" meaning lively, energetic, or courageous. The prefix negates that sense, yielding a description of diminished vivacity. The word is relatively uncommon in everyday speech and tends toward formal or literary usage.

Usage: In prose, unspirited may characterize a listener's reaction, a speaker's delivery, a team’s performance, or a ceremonial event that feels muted. It can reflect internal state (feeling unmotivated) or external conditions (lacking audience energy). It should not be mistaken for mere tiredness; unspirited implies a broader deficit of impulse or drive.

Examples: The meeting started unspirited, with few questions and little back-and-forth. After the delay, the crowd remained unspirited, and the program proceeded with subdued applause.

Related terms: spiritless, listless, lethargic, demotivated, unenthusiastic. Antonyms include spirited, energetic, enthusiastic. See also other descriptors of mood and tone.