Definition

A condition where the body does not respond to a specific substance that usually triggers an immune reaction, or a general lack of energy.

Example

The patient's anergy made it difficult for doctors to determine if he had been exposed to the virus.

Conversation

I read about this condition called anergy recently, and it sounds pretty serious.

Yeah, I think it means your immune system doesn't respond like it should.

Exactly! It made me wonder how many people actually know about anergy and its effects.

Not many, I bet — it's not something we hear about often.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Anergy → It is formed from "a-" (meaning without) and "ergon" (meaning work or activity in Greek). The word describes a state of lacking energy or the absence of work or activity.

Memory Tip

Think of 'without' ('a-') energy or 'work' ('ergon') to remember that anergy means a lack of energy or activity.

Visually Confused Words