Idleness - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Idleness is the state of being inactive or not working, often implying laziness or a lack of purpose. It can refer to both physical inactivity and mental disengagement.
Definition:
The state of being inactive or avoiding work; laziness.
Synonyms:
laziness, inactivity, sloth, indolence, lethargy
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
diligence, activity, industriousness
Common Collocations:
chronic idleness, sheer idleness, utter idleness, avoid idleness, combat idleness
Derivatives:
idle, idly, idler
Usage Tips:
Use "idleness" to describe a lack of action or effort, often with a negative connotation.
Common Phrases:
idle hands are the devil's workshop, in idle moments, the sin of idleness
Etymology:
From Old English *īdelnes*, meaning "empty" or "useless," combined with the suffix *-ness*.
Examples:
- 1. His idleness led to unfinished chores.
- 2. She blamed her failure on sheer idleness.
- 3. The teacher warned against the dangers of idleness.
- 4. He filled his days with books to avoid idleness.