Lazy: meaning, definitions and examples

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lazy

[ˈleɪzi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

person or animal

Unwilling to work or use energy; showing a lack of effort or care.

Synonyms

idle, inactive, sluggish, unmotivated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lazy	Best used when describing someone who avoids work or effort, often with a negative connotation. He is too lazy to clean his room. She felt lazy and didn't want to go for a run.
idle	Appropriate when referring to someone or something that is not active or not in use, sometimes implying a sense of wasting time. The workers were idle during the strike. The car was idle in the driveway.
sluggish	Best used to describe someone or something moving slowly or lacking energy, often suggesting physical or mental slowness. The sluggish economy is struggling to grow. I felt sluggish after the big meal.
inactive	Used when describing someone or something that is not engaging in any action or movement; neutral connotation. After his injury, he became inactive. The club has been inactive for months.
unmotivated	Ideal for situations where someone lacks motivation or drive to perform a task; implies a specific reason for their lack of action. He felt unmotivated to finish his work. She was unmotivated to exercise after a long day at work.

Examples of usage

He was too lazy to walk to the store.
She gave me a lazy smile and turned over on her side.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

movement or action

Moving slowly and gently.

Synonyms

easygoing, leisurely, relaxed, unhurried.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
lazy	Used to describe someone who is unwilling to work or use energy. It has a negative connotation and implies a lack of effort or motivation. He is too lazy to clean his room. She always makes excuses for being lazy at work.
leisurely	Refers to doing something in a relaxed manner, without any rush or urgency. This word can be used positively or neutrally, depending on the context. We took a leisurely stroll in the park. They enjoyed a leisurely breakfast before heading to work.
relaxed	Describes a state of being free from tension and anxiety. It generally has a positive connotation and suggests a state of calm. After the massage, he felt completely relaxed. She always looks so relaxed, even under pressure.
easygoing	Describes someone who is relaxed and not easily upset or worried. It's generally a positive trait, indicating a pleasant demeanor. He's an easygoing person who never gets stressed out. She has an easygoing attitude that makes her well-liked by her colleagues.
unhurried	Indicates doing something without haste, allowing enough time to be thorough and deliberate. This word is neutral, but can carry positive connotations of attentiveness and care. He gave an unhurried but detailed explanation of the process. They adopted an unhurried pace to fully enjoy their vacation.

Examples of usage

The lazy river wound its way through the countryside.
He made a lazy gesture with his hand.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English 'leisie', which means 'idle' or 'slothful'.
Rooted in the Old English 'laz', which referred to someone dull or slow.
In some cultures, the term is linked to animals, often describing creatures that move slowly or rest often.

Psychology

Studies show that procrastination, often viewed as laziness, can stem from anxiety or fear of failure.
Motivation levels can dramatically influence perceived laziness, as engaging environments boost activity.
Feeling lazy can sometimes be a sign of burnout, where the body needs rest rather than slothfulness.

Pop Culture

The character Garfield is famously lazy, often napping and eating lasagna, becoming a cultural icon.
Numerous films portray lazy characters who undergo transformations, highlighting the value of action versus inaction.
In music, songs like 'Lazy Song' by Bruno Mars celebrate the joy of taking a day off and not doing much.

Cultural Perspectives

Some cultures celebrate taking time to relax, promoting work-life balance rather than strict productivity.
In Japan, the concept of 'inemuri' allows people to nap in public spaces as a way to cope with busy lifestyles.
Conversely, in highly competitive cultures, laziness might be severely criticized, equating it with failure.

Literature

Famous works like 'The Catcher in the Rye' discuss characters who exhibit laziness as a critique of societal expectations.
Many literary figures use laziness as a motif to explore themes of existentialism and the search for purpose.
Several fables depict lazy characters who face consequences, teaching lessons about responsibility and effort.

Translations

Translations of the word "lazy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preguiçoso

🇮🇳 आलसी

🇩🇪 faul

🇮🇩 malas

🇺🇦 ледачий

🇵🇱 leniwy

🇯🇵 怠惰

🇫🇷 paresseux

🇪🇸 perezoso

🇹🇷 tembel

🇰🇷 게으른

🇸🇦 كسول

🇨🇿 líný

🇸🇰 lenivý

🇨🇳 懒惰

🇸🇮 leni

🇮🇸 latur

🇰🇿 жалқау

🇬🇪 ზარმაცი

🇦🇿 tənbəl

🇲🇽 perezoso

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,650 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9647 elaborated
9648 psychologist
9649 snap
9650 lazy
9651 dean
9652 inspiring
9653 hauled
...