Idle: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe someone or something that is not active or in use, but not necessarily in a negative way.

• The factory has been idle for several months.
• He was just idly browsing the internet.

Used to describe someone or something that is not moving, working, or being used. It can imply a lack of activity for a certain period.

• The volcano has been inactive for years.
• Her membership in the club is currently inactive.

Used to describe someone who is unwilling to work or use effort. This has a negative connotation.

• He's too lazy to get a job.
• She spent the entire weekend being lazy.

Used to describe something or someone that is not achieving much or not producing desired outcomes. This has a negative connotation.

• The meeting was unproductive.
• He had an unproductive day at work.

This context appears to be a duplicate; if so, merge the contexts appropriately or consult to remove.

This is used when someone hangs around a place without any particular purpose. It usually has a negative connotation, often implying suspicion or aimlessness.

• The police asked the teenagers not to loiter near the entrance.
• He was loitering near the store, which made the owner nervous.

This word is best used when someone is relaxing or being lazy. It often has a casual or positive connotation.

• On Sundays, I like to laze around the house.
• They spent the afternoon lazing by the pool.

This phrase is suitable when referring to spending time in an unproductive manner. It usually has a negative connotation.

• Don't waste time playing video games when you have homework to do.
• She felt like she was wasting time sitting idly in the meeting.