as in inertia
an inclination not to do work or engage in activities
a general feeling of indolence usually overtakes them during summer vacation
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Recent Examples of indolence
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
African clergy are distinctly firmer than those in the West, perhaps a consequence of the social turmoil on their continent compared to the indolence of Europe and North America.
—Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
After indulging Sofia’s indolence for the better part of its running time, the movie suddenly supports her newfound sense of independence.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indolence
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
African clergy are distinctly firmer than those in the West, perhaps a consequence of the social turmoil on their continent compared to the indolence of Europe and North America.
—Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 28 Feb. 2025
After indulging Sofia’s indolence for the better part of its running time, the movie suddenly supports her newfound sense of independence.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for indolence
Recent Examples of Synonyms for indolence
Noun
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Character animations are slick, but reliable in their control and inertia — rarely leading to flubs caused by anything other than player error.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
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In a time when so many companies are attempting a turnaround, by acting decisively, businesses can cut through inertia, rebuild momentum, and secure sustainable results.—
Daniel Schmeltz,
Fortune,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Slackers aren’t a monolith, these films suggest, and their creed is more than just a hipster variant of laziness.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
27 Sep. 2025
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Track the effort paradox in your own results, practice strategic laziness by focusing only on what matters, choose clarity over activity, recognize exhaustion as your enemy not your edge, and protect restoration time as innovation fuel.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Indolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/indolence. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.
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