Synonyms of lazy

lazy 1 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

lazy

2 of 2

verb

as in to bum

to spend time doing nothing

a good afternoon to spend lazying on the back porch

Synonyms & Similar Words

• bum
• laze
• idle
• relax
• chill
• lounge
• rest
• dawdle
• goof (off)
• kill time
• loll
• stroll
• dillydally
• hang (around or out)
• loaf
• kick back
• veg out
• hack (around)
• play
• poke
• mess
• hang about
• drone
• muck
• fool
• footle
• monkey
• trifle
• kick around
• twiddle one's thumbs
• dally
• linger
• piddle
• hibernate
• doze
• fiddle (around)
• amble
• loiter
• estivate
• saunter
• mosey
• lag
• potter (around)
• putter (around)
• malinger
• swan
• truant
• goldbrick
• tarry
• furlough

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• work
• slave
• labor
• hustle
• toil
• plod
• plow
• sweat
• grind
• plug
• apply
• drudge
• buckle (down)
• hump
• grub
• peg
• moil
• exert
• put out
• travail

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 lazy

Adjective

Not because trainers are lazy, but because output feels controllable. — Ben Plomion, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026

This lounge set is made for lazy Sundays—or any day—with its fluffy fleece crewneck pullover sweater and matching wide-leg pants. — Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2026

While older generations may interpret limited eye contact, a flat expression or a pause before responding as rude, lazy or unprofessional, that might not be a younger person’s intent at all, Leahy said. — CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

However, a generation that a government minister wrote off as lazy and expendable has exposed the cracks in the system that the chief justice defended. — Amrita Basu, The Conversation, 22 Oct. 2026