Lackadaisical

Lackadaisical is an adjective that means ‘lacking spirit or zest.’ Our word of the day began life with the popular 17th century phrase ‘alack the day!’ Something said to express sorrow or disappointment. With a shift in pronunciation and the addition of the suffix I-C-A-L, the phrase evolved into a word that was used to describe a languid or lethargic temperament. With this lackadaisical approach, Larry will never get a job. He’d better find some enthusiasm and vigor if he doesn’t want to spend the rest of his life unemployed.