Spanish word

desgana

Pronunciation

IPA/desˈɣana/

Meaning

  • feminine nounlack of motivation

Example

Hoy tengo desgana.

Today I have no motivation.

Illustration for desgana (lack of motivation)

More examples

Me dio desgana estudiar para el examen.

I felt a lack of motivation to study for the exam.

Core concept

A low-energy state that drains interest in activities and often suppresses appetite.

Common phrases

  • tener desgana

    have a lack of motivation

  • sentir desgana

    feel a lack of motivation

Similar words

apatía: Having emotional flatness and muted reactions, with a general lack of interest.
desinterés: Showing a lack of interest in a particular topic or activity, with little concern.
indiferencia: Being emotionally unmoved and unresponsive to people or events.
pereza: Avoiding effort because tasks feel bothersome, preferring inaction or rest.

Definition in Spanish

Expresa la falta de ganas o de apetito para hacer algo y la pérdida de ánimo.

Word origin

Formed from the negative prefix des- plus gana 'desire', used to name a state of lacking desire or appetite.

Usage tips

  • The word commonly appears with dar and tener ('me da desgana', 'tengo desgana') and with 'con desgana' to describe doing something reluctantly.

Other meanings

  • listlessnessnoun
  • loss of appetitenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • desganadounmotivatedadjective
  • desganarselose motivationverb

Word lists with this word