Laziness: meaning, definitions and examples

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laziness

[ˈleɪziːnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

feeling

The quality of being unwilling to work or use energy; idleness.

Synonyms

idleness, inactivity, lethargy, sloth.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
laziness	Used when describing someone who is unwilling to work or make an effort. It has a negative connotation. His laziness is the reason he never finishes his tasks on time. She blamed her laziness for not getting enough exercise.
idleness	Refers to a state of being inactive or not in use, often implying a waste of time or potential. It can be used neutrally but often has a slightly negative undertone. During periods of idleness, he tends to daydream. The machine fell into idleness after the production line was shut down.
sloth	A stronger term often associated with one of the seven deadly sins, it describes extreme laziness and an unwillingness to make any effort. It always has a negative connotation. His sloth was evident in his lack of personal hygiene. She accused him of sloth when he refused to look for a job.
inactivity	Describes a lack of action or movement. This term is often used in formal or technical contexts, such as health or work. Prolonged inactivity can lead to health problems. The project suffered from months of inactivity before it was restarted.
lethargy	Describes a state of sluggishness, tiredness, or lack of energy. It often suggests a physical or mental condition. After the long flight, she felt an overwhelming sense of lethargy. His lethargy was a symptom of his illness.

Examples of usage

He was criticized for his laziness and lack of ambition.
She attributed her weight gain to laziness and lack of exercise.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

habit

The quality of being unwilling to work or use energy consistently; procrastination.

Synonyms

apathy, dawdling, procrastination, sluggishness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
laziness	Laziness implies a general unwillingness to work or use energy. It is often used when commenting on a person's lifestyle or work habits. His laziness kept him from exercising regularly. She didn't clean the house because of her laziness.
procrastination	Procrastination specifically relates to delaying or postponing tasks or decisions. It often highlights a habitual or intentional putting off of important things. Procrastination can lead to missed deadlines and poor performance. He fought his procrastination by setting strict schedules.
sluggishness	Sluggishness describes slowness or lack of energy, often due to tiredness, illness, or lack of motivation. It can refer to both people and objects. The team's sluggishness was evident in their slow pace during the game. After a heavy lunch, he felt sluggish and drowsy.
dawdling	Dawdling refers to wasting time by moving slowly or being inefficient. It is typically used in situations where promptness is expected. Stop dawdling and get ready for school. We missed the bus because she was dawdling.
apathy	Apathy is often used to describe a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern. It is more about emotional or mental indifference than physical inactivity. The student's apathy towards his studies was evident. There was general apathy among the voters this election.

Examples of usage

Her laziness led her to procrastinate on her assignments.
His laziness prevented him from completing his project on time.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Middle English 'lasyness', which relates to the Old English 'leas', meaning 'deceitful or lacking in' something.
Over time, it has evolved to represent both a personality trait and a temporary state of inactivity.

Psychology

Studies suggest that what we call 'laziness' can often be a sign of burnout or decreased motivation, rather than a simple choice.
People with anxiety or depression may experience what appears as laziness, as they often struggle with energy and focus.
The 'motivational triad' in psychology suggests that many behaviors we label as lazy come from an instinct to seek pleasure, avoid pain, and conserve energy.

Pop Culture

Characters often portrayed as lazy in films and TV shows highlight comedic elements, such as 'The Big Lebowski's' The Dude.
The concept is often satirized in memes, where people humorously acknowledge their own procrastination or inactivity.

Literature

In literature, laziness can serve as a theme, representing the internal struggle between ambition and complacency, seen in works like 'The Catcher in the Rye'.
Classical works often portray laziness as a vice, contrasting productive characters with those who are content to idle away their time.

Cultural Perceptions

Different cultures have varied views on laziness; in some, it's frowned upon, while in others, taking time to relax is celebrated as a necessary part of life.
The Japanese concept of 'karoshi' illustrates the dangers of overwork, suggesting that valuing rest is essential to prevent extreme stress and burnout.

Translations

Translations of the word "laziness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preguiça

🇮🇳 आलस्य

🇩🇪 Faulheit

🇮🇩 kemalasan

🇺🇦 лінь

🇵🇱 lenistwo

🇯🇵 怠惰 (たいだ)

🇫🇷 paresse

🇪🇸 pereza

🇹🇷 tembellik

🇰🇷 게으름

🇸🇦 كسل

🇨🇿 lenost

🇸🇰 lenivosť

🇨🇳 懒惰 (lǎnduò)

🇸🇮 lenoba

🇮🇸 leti

🇰🇿 жалқаулық

🇬🇪 ზარმაცობა

🇦🇿 tənbəllik

🇲🇽 pereza

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,457, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
19454 erstwhile
19455 dictatorial
19456 correlating
19457 laziness
19458 struts
19459 masterful
19460 gastro
...