Synonyms of lazy

lazy 1 of 2

adjective

ˈlā-zē 

1

as in idle

not easily aroused to action or work

the lazy dog just wanted to lie on the couch all day and sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

• idle
• sleepy
• indolent
• shiftless
• slothful
• dull
• lethargic
• apathetic
• sluggish
• listless
• drowsy
• languorous
• inert
• torpid
• quiescent
• supine
• lazyish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• industrious
• ambitious
• diligent
• zealous
• enterprising
• active
• energetic
• dynamic
• vigorous
• exuberant
• spirited
• frisky
• perky
• lively
• brisk
• vivacious
• animated
• snappy
• sprightly
• jaunty
• bouncing
• springy
• pert
• jazzy
• peppy
• zippy

2

as in careless

failing to give proper care and attention

that cookbook author can be lazy about giving cooking times and temperatures

Synonyms & Similar Words

• careless
• neglectful
• neglecting
• negligent
• reckless
• derelict
• slack
• lax
• remiss
• irresponsible
• forgetful
• disregardful
• oblivious
• thoughtless
• inattentive
• incautious
• apathetic
• uninterested
• heedless
• disinterested
• unthinking
• indifferent
• unmindful
• unwary
• unconcerned
• delinquent
• wild
• unguarded
• loose
• unheeding
• disregarding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• careful
• conscientious
• cautious
• attentive
• meticulous
• punctilious
• nonnegligent
• painstaking
• circumspect
• responsible
• wary
• watchful
• mindful
• regarding
• vigilant
• thinking
• chary
• observant
• guarded
• alert
• interested
• thoughtful
• provident
• concerned
• regardful
• gingerly
• heedful
• foresighted
• forethoughtful
• heeding

lazy

2 of 2

verb

as in to bum

to spend time doing nothing

a good afternoon to spend lazying on the back porch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bum
• laze
• idle
• chill
• lounge
• relax
• rest
• dawdle
• goof (off)
• stroll
• kill time
• loll
• dillydally
• loaf
• hang (around or out)
• play
• kick back
• veg out
• hack (around)
• mess
• poke
• muck
• hang about
• drone
• fool
• footle
• monkey
• linger
• trifle
• kick around
• dally
• twiddle one's thumbs
• piddle
• hibernate
• doze
• fiddle (around)
• aestivate
• amble
• loiter
• estivate
• saunter
• mosey
• lag
• potter (around)
• putter (around)
• malinger
• swan
• truant
• goldbrick
• tarry
• furlough

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• work
• slave
• labor
• hustle
• toil
• plod
• plow
• sweat
• grind
• plug
• apply
• drudge
• buckle (down)
• hump
• grub
• peg
• moil
• exert
• put out
• travail

Try This Instead

For

Try This

lazy people

unmotivated people

sluggish people

idle people

unproductive people

slothful people

lazy days

leisurely days

easygoing days

slumberous days

sleepy days

lethargic days

a lazy evaluation

a sloppy evaluation

an imprecise evaluation

a poor evaluation

an insufficient evaluation

an inefficient evaluation

a lazy dog

an inactive dog

a sluggish dog

a lethargic dog

an idle dog

a sleepy dog

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lazy distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words indolent and slothful are common synonyms of lazy. While all three words mean "not easily aroused to activity," lazy suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble.

take-out foods for lazy cooks

When is it sensible to use indolent instead of lazy?

Although the words indolent and lazy have much in common, indolent suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity.

the heat made us indolent

When might slothful be a better fit than lazy?

While in some cases nearly identical to lazy, slothful implies a temperamental inability to act promptly or speedily when action or speed is called for.

fired for being slothful about filling orders

Examples of lazy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The outdoor terrace — an extension of the handsome Bulgari Bar — is a pretty and tranquil retreat perfect for a lazy breakfast or a bit of people-watching while enjoying a pre-dinner aperitivo. —Chadner Navarro, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2024

Created by the cartoonist Fujiko F. Fujio in 1970, Doraemon and the story of his friendship with Nobita, a good-hearted but somewhat lazy boy, became hugely popular. —Mari Yamaguchi, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2024

The French Broad should be a foot and a half high, lazy and blue. —Susanne Paola Antonetta, CNN, 11 Oct. 2024

Its casual, slightly sporty aesthetic is great for lazy days spent decorating the house for fall. —Michelle Rostamian, People.com, 14 Oct. 2024