Lackadaisically: meaning, definitions and examples

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lackadaisically

[ˌlæk.əˈdeɪ.zɪ.kəl.i ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

used to describe an action or behavior

In a way that shows a lack of enthusiasm or determination; lazily or indifferently.

Synonyms

apathetically, halfheartedly, listlessly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lackadaisically	This word is best used when describing someone who is moving or acting in a lazy and unenthusiastic manner, often with a sense of indifference. He completed his chores lackadaisically, dragging his feet with every step. The student answered the questions lackadaisically, showing no interest in participating in the class.
apathetically	Use this term when referring to a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. It implies a more emotional detachment. She greeted the news apathetically, barely raising an eyebrow. The voters remained apathetically disinterested in the campaign promises.
listlessly	Best used when someone is lacking energy and enthusiasm, often appearing tired or weak. The patient lay listlessly in bed, unable to muster the strength to move. During the hot summer afternoon, the children played listlessly in the yard.
halfheartedly	This word is appropriate when describing someone doing something without full effort or enthusiasm, often out of obligation rather than desire. He halfheartedly attempted to clean his room, knowing it would need another go. She agreed to the plan halfheartedly, lacking any significant motivation.

Examples of usage

She answered lackadaisically when asked about her progress on the project.
He approached the task lackadaisically, resulting in subpar results.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originally comes from 'lackadaisy,' an expression of a lazy attitude from the 19th century.
It combines 'lackadaisical' (meaning carefree or idle) with the suffix '-ly,' transforming it into an adverb.
The term captures a sense of indifference, reflecting how someone might feel unmotivated or disengaged.

Literature

Lackadaisically appears in various literary works, often to describe characters who are laid-back and unconcerned.
Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald have used the word to highlight the carefree attitudes of the Jazz Age.

Psychology

A lackadaisical attitude may stem from burnout or feeling overwhelmed, leading to disengagement in tasks.
Research indicates that individuals with a more relaxed approach to tasks may experience lower stress levels but risk procrastination.

Pop Culture

In popular media, characters described as lackadaisical often embody the trope of the 'slacker' or 'laid-back individual.'
Movies featuring relaxed, carefree protagonists often use this term to describe their approach to life.

Translations

Translations of the word "lackadaisically" in other languages:

🇵🇹 despreocupadamente

🇮🇳 आलस्यपूर्वक

🇩🇪 gleichgültig

🇮🇩 dengan malas

🇺🇦 байдуже

🇵🇱 niedbale

🇯🇵 無気力に (むきりょくに)

🇫🇷 nonchalamment

🇪🇸 indolentemente

🇹🇷 umursamazca

🇰🇷 무기력하게

🇸🇦 بلامبالاة

🇨🇿 laxně

🇸🇰 ľahostajne

🇨🇳 懒洋洋地 (lǎn yáng yáng de)

🇸🇮 brezbrižno

🇮🇸 af kæruleysi

🇰🇿 селқостықпен

🇬🇪 უზრუნველად

🇦🇿 laqeydliklə

🇲🇽 indolentemente

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,942, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

...
41939 aloofly
41940 blini
41941 nautically
41942 lackadaisically
41943 sipper
41944 maunder
41945 gluttonously
...