idleness

noun

idle·​ness
plural -es
Synonyms of idlenessnext
: the quality or state of being idle (as through lack of worth, occupation, employment, industry)
the idleness of our search
increasing idleness in the auto industry
a person of unbelievable idleness
also : an instance of such idleness
our yesterday's idleness forgotten

Word History

Etymology

Middle English idelnesse (also, vanity) from Old English īdelnes, from īdel + -nes -ness

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Cite this Entry

“Idleness.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/idleness. Accessed 13 Dec. 2025.

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