a vague feeling of bodily discomfort, as at the beginning of an illness 2. a general sense of depression or unease
(pronounced mu-LAZE) When I was in high school, I needed to take a “mental health day” every once in a while. I wasn’t technically sick, but I felt lousy, and I couldn’t bear the thought of sitting in class all day. So, when I returned to school the next day with the required note from Mom in hand, it would usually say, “Karl was suffering from lethargy and general malaise.” The school secretary had no idea what it meant, but she thought it sure sounded serious. Approved, no questions asked.