Synonyms of laziness

laziness 1 of 2

noun

as in inertia

an inclination not to do work or engage in activities

although she often talks about ambitious household projects, nothing even gets started because of her chronic laziness

Synonyms & Similar Words

• inertia
• indolence
• sloth
• shiftlessness
• idleness
• lethargy
• apathy
• supineness
• sluggishness
• lassitude
• languor
• loafing
• listlessness
• lounging
• lolling
• dallying
• goldbricking

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• industry
• industriousness
• ambition
• drive
• initiative
• diligence
• enterprise
• hustle
• perseverance
• go
• assiduity
• vigor
• energy
• exuberance
• vitality
• robustness
• animation
• vivacity
• assiduousness
• briskness
• pep
• liveliness
• vibrancy
• vim
• sprightliness
• lustiness
• peppiness
• jazziness

lazy

2 of 2

adjective

ˈlā-zē 

1

as in idle

not easily aroused to action or work

the lazy dog just wanted to lie on the couch all day and sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

• idle
• sleepy
• indolent
• shiftless
• slothful
• dull
• lethargic
• apathetic
• sluggish
• listless
• drowsy
• languorous
• inert
• torpid
• quiescent
• supine
• lazyish

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• industrious
• ambitious
• diligent
• zealous
• enterprising
• active
• energetic
• dynamic
• vigorous
• exuberant
• spirited
• frisky
• perky
• lively
• brisk
• vivacious
• animated
• snappy
• sprightly
• jaunty
• bouncing
• springy
• pert
• jazzy
• peppy
• zippy

2

as in careless

failing to give proper care and attention

that cookbook author can be lazy about giving cooking times and temperatures

Synonyms & Similar Words

• careless
• neglectful
• neglecting
• negligent
• reckless
• derelict
• slack
• lax
• remiss
• irresponsible
• forgetful
• disregardful
• oblivious
• thoughtless
• inattentive
• incautious
• apathetic
• uninterested
• heedless
• disinterested
• unthinking
• indifferent
• unmindful
• unwary
• unconcerned
• delinquent
• wild
• unguarded
• loose
• unheeding
• disregarding

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• careful
• conscientious
• cautious
• attentive
• meticulous
• punctilious
• nonnegligent
• painstaking
• circumspect
• responsible
• wary
• watchful
• mindful
• regarding
• vigilant
• thinking
• chary
• observant
• guarded
• alert
• interested
• thoughtful
• provident
• concerned
• regardful
• gingerly
• heedful
• foresighted
• forethoughtful
• heeding

Synonym Chooser

How is the word lazy distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words indolent and slothful are common synonyms of lazy. While all three words mean "not easily aroused to activity," lazy suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble.

take-out foods for lazy cooks

When is it sensible to use indolent instead of lazy?

Although the words indolent and lazy have much in common, indolent suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity.

the heat made us indolent

When might slothful be a better fit than lazy?

While in some cases nearly identical to lazy, slothful implies a temperamental inability to act promptly or speedily when action or speed is called for.

fired for being slothful about filling orders

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of laziness

Noun

Absent the lush melancholy of classic synth-pop, what Hervé and Amato had in common with their forbears was a spirit of innovation rooted in profound laziness. —Walden Green, Pitchfork, 23 May 2026

To some, typos are no longer a sign of laziness but evidence of human touch, Michael Waters writes. —Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 21 May 2026

Adjective

Basically, the lazy person’s way to a six pack. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 May 2026

Writing him off is lazy and, for some, a setup for a stomach punch. —Michael Silver, New York Times, 21 May 2026