1
as in inertia
an inclination not to do work or engage in activities
the brothers' innate idleness meant that neither did much, either inside or outside their ramshackle cabin
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in inaction
lack of action or activity
a day spent in idleness is nice, but a month of doing nothing is boring!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in neglect
lack of use
the idleness of the machine was apparent by its thick layer of dust
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of idleness
Spending healthy years in idleness isn’t good for you.
—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
14 Feb. 2026
DeJean, who recorded the game-changing pick-six in Super Bowl LIX, couldn’t comprehend postseason idleness.
—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.
—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
All of which could lead to so much work that a man like Wyatt Harper might never have another day of idleness again.
—
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
14 Feb. 2026
DeJean, who recorded the game-changing pick-six in Super Bowl LIX, couldn’t comprehend postseason idleness.
—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
This patience is watchfulness, not idleness.
—
Francois Botha,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
All of which could lead to so much work that a man like Wyatt Harper might never have another day of idleness again.
—
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for idleness
Noun
-
One problem that no amount of money can fix is political inertia.
-
Repetition is so easily confused with stasis—with inertia.
Noun
-
Healthcare has trained generations of leaders to avoid the visible mistake more than the invisible cost of inaction.
-
For this class, federal action (or inaction) makes or breaks their communities and livelihoods, with their frustration channeled through abstinence in the political process.
Noun
-
Even if the weather is perfect, summer is a busy season that can sometimes cause the garden to experience neglect.
-
Supporters portray the Business Improvement District as a fix for years of neglect and crime, while opponents fear gentrification, over-policing and businesses gaining control over public space.
Noun
-
Although a genius at depicting indolence, Hockney himself worked with a rigorous commitment.
-
The rapid growth of AI data centers is simply forcing us to reckon with many years of indolence.
Noun
-
On the other hand, prolonged inactivity due to illness, immobilization or a sedentary lifestyle can lead to bone loss.
-
Both establishments received inactivity suspensions on June 10.
Noun
-
The Genesis Convention Center, which had fallen into disuse and disrepair, opened in 1981.
-
In 2015, an Angolan company called the Omatapalo Group bought the property, then overgrown and wild with disuse, made extensive renovations, and turned over management to Angolan hotel company OnTour, which opened Mumba Lodge in May 2025.
Noun
-
So a material known for its inertness suddenly shows its true colors and starts to react and act as a catalyst.
Noun
-
Cost Shock At The Wrong Moment Late-stage price add-ons, especially shipping, are the single most common trigger for cart abandonment.
-
Kids end up in foster care due to neglect, abuse or abandonment by their parents or caregivers.
Cite this Entry
“Idleness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/idleness. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
