呆滞 (dāi zhì) is an adjective describing a lack of liveliness or responsiveness, especially in the eyes or mind. The first character 呆 means 'dull' or 'stupid', evoking blankness or mental inertia; the second character 滞 means 'stagnant' or 'sluggish', suggesting something stuck or unmoving. Together, they form a compound that vividly conveys a state of mental dullness, vacant staring, or slow cognitive processing — often with a slightly negative or concerning connotation.

This word is commonly used to describe facial expressions (e.g., someone’s eyes appearing lifeless), mental states (e.g., slowed thinking after illness or shock), or even economic conditions (e.g., stagnant markets). It frequently appears in medical, psychological, and literary contexts, but rarely in casual speech among friends — it carries subtle gravity and implies something is not functioning normally.