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.

Some blame technological advancements and deindustrialization for the increase in male idleness, but those barriers are hardly insurmountable.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026

Multiple residents warned of "idleness" among the youth, who face high unemployment.

From Barron's • Nov. 12, 2025

Now under state ownership, productivity is low compared to competitors both in the UK and abroad, not due to idleness but because workers don't have the equipment they need to do their job efficiently.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2025

They contend that the women in Cassatt’s paintings could only be accused of idleness by people who are ignorant about the wearying demands of child care and housekeeping.

From New York Times • May 16, 2024

Thus we spent the evening by our cook-fire in idleness.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

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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