Definitions

idleness

[ahy-dl-nis] / ˈaɪ dl nɪs /

NOUN

laziness, inaction

Synonyms

STRONG

dawdling dormancy droning hibernation inactivity indolence inertia leisure lethargy loafing shiftlessness sloth slothfulness slouch slowness sluggishness stupor torpidity torpor trifling truancy unemployment

WEAK

dilly-dallying goof-off time joblessness laze lazing loitering otiosity own sweet time pottering time on one's hands time to burn time to kill time-wasting vegetating

Antonyms

STRONG

activity energy life liveliness vigor

WEAK

action ambition busyness diligence employment hustle industry labor occupation work

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Retained from the original poem are the God of Love, Lady Reason, Shame, Idleness and Pleasure.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2023

Referring to the “Torch Song,” which is sung by Pleasure and Idleness, she said, “The harmony speaks to medieval music; but the way it’s set gives a jazz feel.”

From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2023

I thought it was a good name, the Tree of Idleness.

From The Guardian • Apr. 4, 2018

Idleness apparently doesn't make O'Sullivan ring rusty, it only makes him more lustrous.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2013

Idleness wasn’t the only reason for the added weight.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand

Vocabulary lists containing idleness

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

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By the Great Horn Spoon!

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War Horse

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