Sluggard: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used in a formal or literary context to describe someone who is habitually lazy and slow. It carries a slightly negative connotation.

• He was often called a sluggard for his lack of ambition.
• The old fable teaches not to be a sluggard who wastes time.

Idler is typically used to describe someone who avoids work and prefers to remain inactive. It is slightly formal and has a mildly negative tone.

• She was known as an idler, always shirking responsibilities at the office.
• The idlers in the park did nothing but watch the day go by.

Loafer is used to describe someone who spends their time idly, often avoiding work. This word can have a slightly old-fashioned feel and carries a negative connotation.

• The town was filled with loafers lounging in the shade all day.
• He was accused of being a loafer, never holding down a steady job.

This is a more casual and informal term and is often used in a light-hearted or teasing manner with friends or family. It can sound playful rather than harsh.

• Come on, lazybones, get out of bed!
• Don't be such a lazybones, help me with these chores.

Use this word to describe someone who is habitually lazy and slow, often in a somewhat harsh or judgmental manner.

• John, stop being such a sluggard and get to work!
• The sluggard missed all the deadlines.

This word implies not just laziness, but a moral failing, often carrying a more negative or critical connotation.

• Her slothful habits were the reason for her poor performance.
• Being slothful is considered a vice in many cultures.

This term refers to a deliberate avoidance of activity or effort, often having a slightly formal or medical connotation.

• The indolent teenager spent his days lounging on the couch.
• Some medical conditions can cause indolent tumors, which grow slowly and cause few symptoms.

This word is appropriate for describing someone or something that is currently not active, without necessarily implying laziness or negative traits.

• After the injury, he remained inactive for several months.
• The login session will become inactive after 30 minutes of inactivity.