Sloth: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'sloth' when referring to a habitual lack of effort or reluctance to work. It often implies a general disinterest in any form of exertion.

• His sloth is the reason why he never finishes his tasks on time.
• Overcoming his natural sloth has been one of his greatest challenges.

This informal term is often used humorously or affectionately when referring to a person who is being lazy, especially in a temporary or light-hearted context.

• Wake up, lazybones, it's almost noon!
• Come on, lazybones, you can help with the dishes.

An archaic and formal term used to describe a person who is habitually lazy. It can carry a strong sense of disapproval or moral judgment.

• The sluggard will never prosper if he continues in his ways.
• Do not be a sluggard, rise early and seize the day.

The word 'idler' describes someone who avoids work or any productive activity. It is generally used in a mild or neutral sense when describing someone's temporary lack of work.

• He's been an idler since he lost his job last month.
• The park was filled with idlers enjoying the sunny day.

Use when referring to someone with extreme laziness or inactivity, often in a more formal or literary context.

• His sloth prevented him from achieving success.
• The sloth of the employee was astonishing.

General term for anyone who avoids work and prefers doing nothing, often with a straightforward and neutral connotation.

• Her brother is such a lazy person, he never helps with chores.
• A lazy person will never achieve their goals.

Describes someone who moves or acts more slowly than usual, often due to low energy or lack of enthusiasm. This term is neutral but slightly less severe than 'sloth'.

• After the long flight, he felt like a sluggish individual.
• A sluggish individual is not very effective at work.

Commonly used to describe someone who spends a lot of time sitting or lying down, especially watching TV, with a connotation of laziness.

• He became a couch potato after retiring.
• Instead of being a couch potato, let's go for a walk.