lazy

1 of 2

adjective

la·​zy ˈlā-zē How to pronounce lazy (audio)
lazier; laziest
1
a
: disinclined to activity or exertion : not energetic or vigorous
The lazy child tried to avoid household chores.
b
: encouraging inactivity or indolence
a lazy summer day
2
: moving slowly : sluggish
a lazy river
3
: droopy, lax
a rabbit with lazy ears
4
: placed on its side
lazy E livestock brand
5
: not rigorous or strict
lazy scholarship
lazily adverb
laziness noun
lazyish adjective

lazy

2 of 2

verb

lazied; lazying

intransitive verb

: to move or lie lazily : laze
Choose the Right Synonym for lazy

lazy, indolent, slothful mean not easily aroused to activity.

lazy suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble.

take-out foods for lazy cooks

indolent suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity.

the heat made us indolent

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

Adjective a lazy child who avoided household chores I should have done more work this weekend, but I was feeling lazy. a hawk flying in lazy circles Verb a good afternoon to spend lazying on the back porch
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
How: Stripers can be lazy at this time of year, which is why bloodworms, clams, and sandworms are some of the most productive baits. Joe Cermele, Field & Stream, 14 Mar. 2024 There's a little something for everyone, from those seeking big thrills on fast coasters to people looking for a little R&R on the lazy river. The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 Vacationers leisurely float down the winding lazy river, while kids jet down water slides and burn off energy at the Kids Splash Zone. Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2024 To make the most of the waterpark perk in 2025, families should plan for an early arrival to make the most of the lazy rivers, water slides, wave pools, interactive play areas for younger kids. Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 This easy-access destination will offer water slides, a lazy river, competition and recreation pools as well as a sprayground, swimming lessons and other recreation and social activities. Bang Advertising Staff and Correspondents, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2024 Liberatory movements are never so shallow as to be guided by the lazy dismissals from selfish detractors, and the Palestinian liberation movement is no exception. Talia Jane, Rolling Stone, 29 Feb. 2024 Others will be lazy, poor managers of money or outright criminals. Kathryn Anne Edwards, The Mercury News, 29 Feb. 2024 So many still view obesity as a character flaw, or the result of someone not having enough willpower or being lazy. Christopher Thompson, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lazy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Verb

perhaps from Middle Low German lasich feeble; akin to Middle High German erleswen to become weak

First Known Use

Adjective

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1612, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lazy was in 1549

Dictionary Entries Near lazy

Cite this Entry

“Lazy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lazy. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lazy

adjective
la·​zy
ˈlā-zē
lazier; laziest
1
: not willing to act or work : indolent
2
: moving slowly : sluggish
a lazy stream
lazily
-zə-lē
adverb
laziness
-zē-nəs
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on lazy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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