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
The project is inspired by ’90s R&B while firmly rooted in unique sounds—Jersey club, Baltimore club, jazz, and reggae all meet lazy synths and classic R&B chords. Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 Mar. 2026 The Black Crowes were famously a lazy-rehearsal band. Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for laziness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laziness
Noun
  • 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
  • The only thing that could work against it at this point is inertia—and enthusiasm for Sinners, a smash hit that picked up the most Oscar nominations this year and seems to engender a similar amount of love in the room at every industry event.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 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
  • Longtime fans may recall that on Thanksgiving Night 2009, Woods’ Cadillac Escalade collided with a fire hydrant, tree and several bushes near his Central Florida home, and he was ticketed with careless driving.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
  • She was arrested in a bankruptcy case in 2013, arrested for careless driving in 2021 and arrested again in 2023 on suspicion of domestic violence and battery.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 25 Mar. 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 film is weirdly slow and sleepy, and at least 20 minutes too long.
    Katie Walsh, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
  • These sleepy puppies are right there with you—expert-level napping, zero meetings required.
    Ronnie Li, USA Today, 23 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 2 Apr. 2026.

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