indolence

noun

in·​do·​lence ˈin-də-lən(t)s How to pronounce indolence (audio)
: inclination to laziness : sloth

Examples of indolence in a Sentence

a general feeling of indolence usually overtakes them during summer vacation
Recent Examples on the Web
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Their waiter’s indolence meant a long wait even for menus, yet neither of them let drop a word of complaint. Jim Shepard, New Yorker, 8 June 2025 The idea of Irish indolence fused with a quasi-religious faith in the laws of the market to shape the British response to the famine. Fintan O'Toole, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 The idea of Irish indolence fused with a quasi-religious faith in the laws of the market to shape the British response to the famine. Fintan O'Toole, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 The government insisted that the corn be sold rather than given away (free food would merely reinforce Irish indolence), and those who received it had little idea at first how to cook it. Fintan O'Toole, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indolence

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indolence was in 1710

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Cite this Entry

“Indolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indolence. Accessed 21 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

indolence

noun
in·​do·​lence ˈin-də-lən(t)s How to pronounce indolence (audio)
: the quality or state of being indolent : laziness

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