Slothful Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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slothful

[ˈsləʊθfʊl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing a person

Showing a reluctance to work or make an effort; lazy.

Synonyms

idle, inactive, lazy, sluggish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slothful	Typically used in a formal or literary context to describe someone who is habitually lazy and avoids work. Often implies a moral judgment. The slothful student never finished his assignments on time. Her slothful behavior was a concern for her employers.
lazy	Commonly used in everyday language to describe someone who avoids work or effort. Often carries a negative connotation. You're so lazy; you never help with the chores. His lazy attitude frustrated his team.
idle	Describes someone or something not active, busy, or in use. Can refer to both people and machines. The machine has been idle for hours. He spent the afternoon idle, doing absolutely nothing.
sluggish	Used to describe someone or something moving slowly or lacking energy. Can refer to physical movement or speed of progress. He felt sluggish after the heavy meal. Progress on the project was sluggish due to multiple setbacks.
inactive	Used to describe someone or something not currently engaging in activity or exercise. Often used in a neutral or clinical manner. The patient has been inactive for weeks due to the surgery. Her inactive lifestyle led to health problems.

Examples of usage

His slothful behavior led to him losing his job.
She was criticized for her slothful attitude towards her responsibilities.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

describing a process or progress

Slow-moving; lethargic.

Synonyms

delayed, lethargic, slow, sluggish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
slothful	Used to describe someone who is very lazy and avoids work or effort. This word usually has a negative connotation. He was too slothful to get out of bed and look for a job
slow	General term to describe a reduced speed or someone taking more time than usual. It's not necessarily negative but can imply inefficiency. He's a slow reader, but he understands the material well
sluggish	Describes a lack of energy or slow movement, often used for things that are not functioning at their best, like machinery or systems. The computer was sluggish after the update, making it hard to get any work done
lethargic	Used to describe a lack of energy or enthusiasm, often in a temporary or medical context. This can apply to both people and animals. After the long flight, she felt too lethargic to go out and explore the city
delayed	Refers to something that has been postponed or held up, typically events or actions, without directly implying laziness. The train was delayed due to bad weather

Examples of usage

The slothful pace of the project frustrated the team.
The slothful growth of the economy raised concerns.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Being slothful can often be linked to feeling overwhelmed or uninterested in tasks, leading to procrastination.
Studies suggest that underlying emotions, like anxiety or fear of failure, can contribute to slothfulness.
Motivation and environment play a crucial role; a messy space can lead to feeling more slothful.

Pop Culture

The character of Sid the Sloth in the animated movie 'Ice Age' embodies laziness but is charmful and humorous.
In many video games, slothful characters are often portrayed as comic relief, emphasizing their slow responses and actions.
Sloths in zoology have become symbols of slothfulness, often depicted lounging or hanging around in documentaries and memes.

Literature

In Dante Alighieri's 'The Divine Comedy,' slothfulness is depicted as a sin that leads to punishment in the circles of Hell.
Classic literature often contrasts active and slothful characters, showcasing the moral lessons of diligence versus laziness.
The themes of slothfulness appear in many fables, warning readers about the consequences of being idle.

Sociology

In modern society, defining slothfulness can vary; what seems lazy to one may be viewed as necessary rest by another.
Cultural expectations can influence perceptions of slothfulness; in some cultures, taking time to relax is valued, while others prioritize constant activity.
The notion of 'work-life balance' challenges the idea of slothful behavior, advocating for rest and downtime as essential for productivity.

Origin of 'slothful'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'slāw,' which means lazy or sluggish.
It has roots in the Latin word 'sīdus,' meaning 'lazy' or 'idle,' influencing its meaning in many languages.
In Middle English, the term 'sloth' described both laziness and a lack of effort.

The word 'slothful' originates from the Middle English 'slouthe', which means 'indolence or sluggishness'. It evolved from the Old English 'slāw', meaning 'inactive or slow'. The term 'slothful' has been used since the 14th century to describe laziness or slowness in various contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,298, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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28298 slothful
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