laziness 1 of 3

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

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
Adjective
Even better, make ahead and freeze it for a lazy Saturday morning. Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 2025 The Dodgers were more than willing recipients an inning later when Freddie Freeman followed two more Cease walks with a lazy fly ball to center field that drifted toward the track and clanked off Jackson Merrill’s glove to bring home two more runs. Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 17 Aug. 2025 Lamu 3-Pack of Lazy Susans The multi-pack of lazy Susans comes with trays in three different widths: 9.25 inches, 10.6 inches, and 12 inches. Izzy Baskette, People.com, 16 Aug. 2025 Nearby, Splash Resort draws families and retirees alike with spacious, beachfront units and kid-friendly perks like an indoor water park, a lazy river, and a dive-in movie theater. Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for laziness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laziness
Noun
  • The result is less a single back-to-school moment than a patchwork of calendars that reflects both innovation and inertia.
    Jeanne Allen, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Experts believe this is because families become entrenched in their academic routines; inertia plays a role in keeping students on track.
    De Elizabeth, Parents, 27 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Align everyone around what matters so representatives don’t spend hours chasing low-fit prospects while great opportunities sit idle.
    Michael Fox, Forbes.com, 26 Aug. 2025
  • The Royals will be idle on that Friday (July 3) due to the World Cup.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The other driver is suspected of careless driving resulting in death, but has not been publicly identified by police or charged.
    Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 20 Aug. 2025
  • The Padres were reckless on the bases one day and careless in the next.
    Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • To be this close over and over is really bumming me out.
    Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
  • These are all good reasons to feel bummed out about humanity, but leave it to Lanthimos to express his dismay in the most arch and self-congratulatory way possible.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 28 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • In the sleepy world of French regional telecommunications, his methods could be shocking.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Box Office Mojo reported a slightly different number at $18.0M, but the film still took the top spot during a relatively sleepy box office weekend.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Named after the minimalist philosopher who apparently lived in a jar in Athens, and who also lent his name to Diogenes syndrome, a disorder of neglectful hoarding.
    James Folta, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Simone manages to evade her sister’s attempts to drag her home to Buffalo to care for their neglectful, aging father for most of the premiere.
    Megan Vick, Variety, 11 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • In addition to just nine bungalows, Playa Grande Beach Club has a main house with a restaurant and bar, a two-story library and lounge, a beachfront pool with a covered lounge area for lazing, and a small gym.
    Carley Rojas Ávila, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
  • The Post-Flight ’Fit The key to looking fresh upon arrival lies in sartorial savvy; that is, choosing an outfit that’s optimally designed for a day of sight-seeing and lazing on sunny terraces, but in actuality is comprised of surprisingly comfortable staples.
    Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 17 July 2025
Adjective
  • Sixty-five-year-old Jep Gambardella, indolent and disenchanted, his eyes permanently imbued with gin and tonic, watches this parade of hollow, doomed, powerful yet depressed humanity.
    Leo Barraclough, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025
  • Screening disproportionately detects indolent tumors—those less likely to be lethal in the first place.
    Siddhartha Mukherjee, New Yorker, 16 June 2025

Cite this Entry

“Laziness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laziness. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.

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