Synonyms of slothful

slothful

adjective

ˈslȯth-fəl 

as in lazy

not easily aroused to action or work

his overly lax managerial style has resulted in a department that is slothful and unproductive

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word slothful distinct from other similar adjectives?

The words indolent and lazy are common synonyms of slothful. While all three words mean "not easily aroused to activity," slothful implies a temperamental inability to act promptly or speedily when action or speed is called for.

fired for being slothful about filling orders

When is indolent a more appropriate choice than slothful?

The synonyms indolent and slothful are sometimes interchangeable, but indolent suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity.

the heat made us indolent

Where would lazy be a reasonable alternative to slothful?

The meanings of lazy and slothful largely overlap; however, lazy suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble.

take-out foods for lazy cooks

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of slothful

That they would be regarded as slothful morons who aren't worth the price of a ticket of admission. — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 2 Feb. 2026

Soviet Russia, too, experienced periodic panics about slothful bureaucrats impeding the dictatorship of the proletariat. — Charlie Tyson, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025

Procrastination can be slothful or prudent, a vice or a virtue, depending on your habits and the tasks at hand. — Arthur C. Brooks, The Atlantic, 16 Dec. 2021

After releasing 12 albums in 13 months, Twin Cities guitarist Cory Wong will end his momentarily slothful ways and drop just his second album this year. — Jon Bream, Star Tribune, 11 May 2021