laziness 1 of 3

Definition of lazinessnext

lazy

2 of 3

adjective

lazy

3 of 3

verb

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

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

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 laziness
Noun
Pearce accused her of laziness. Sean Gregory, Time, 3 Feb. 2026 The contrast piping detail gives it something structured for the lounging expert, and takes the robe from being a symbol of laziness to a symbol of sustained self-care. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 2 Feb. 2026
Adjective
Playing alongside Clarence Muse, who portrays a tenant farmer, Fetchit was cast as the clichéd buffoon, lazy and happy-go-lucky. Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 The demolition and redecking will cause other areas to enter the project’s scope — including the lazy river walls, electrical conduits running the pool lights, deck drainage and the electrical grounding grid. Taylor O'Connor, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laziness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laziness
Noun
  • The film meticulously depicts inertia and zero-gravity movement.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Larger tires increase rotational inertia and lengthen the lever arm between hub and road, forcing the braking system to work harder.
    Bryan Rogala, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • This is what led my friend and me to our idle accounting of new-media punditry.
    Jay Caspian Kang, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The game against a 76ers team that was idle Sunday will decide the potentially critical tiebreaker in the three-game head-to-head series.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Littleton police say the driver behind the wheel of a semi-truck that crashed into a QuickTrip on West Belleview Avenue and smashed a car against a wall is facing careless driving charges.
    Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 4 Apr. 2026
  • In 2009, Woods was cited for careless driving.
    Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Spring cleaning bumming you out?
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Action that doesn't get exhausting, humor that isn't repetitive and drama that won't bum you out, these shows go down easy and keep you hungry for more.
    Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The neighborhood/area Located in the sleepy St James parish in the hills, the lively west coast towns of the island are a mere 10-minute drive, boasting beaches, bars, restaurants, shops, and grocery stores.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Flower Beds, Perennials, and Ornamentals Herbaceous perennials are likely still pretty sleepy, but fat buds, flowers, and even the start of leaves unfurling are all happening on woodier ornamentals.
    Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Sid lives in the town of Matakana with her single, sometimes-neglectful alcoholic father Leo (Noah Taylor), who wanted to be a painter but now mows the lawns of rich neighbors and visiting Auckland rich boys occupying the beachfront mansions nearby in Omaha.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 15 Mar. 2026
  • Dysfunctional families can look many different ways, but typically are controlling, secretive, neglectful, and uncommunicative.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 15 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of setting up a spot on the sand, beachgoers typically pitch their chairs in the shallow clear blue water and laze the day away.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026
  • But its proximity to the Arenal Volcano also means plenty of mineral-rich hot springs to laze around in.
    Jessica Sulima, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Every 4:3 shot is framed to maximize the social verticality of the club, and every sequence is edited to evoke the indolent energy of a hot car on a hot summer’s day.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2026
  • There are two types: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which can be aggressive or indolent, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
    Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Laziness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laziness. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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