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Definition of idleness

idleness

/ˈaɪ.dəl.nəs/
i · dle · ness
Adverb:idly
•
Adjective:idle
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idleness Lexical Profile

idleness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of being lazy, indolent, or habitually avoiding work or effort.

Example

"The strict headmaster believed that prolonged idleness among students inevitably led to mischief."

2

A state of inactivity, unemployment, or non-use, especially regarding workers, machinery, or resources.

Example

"Months of factory idleness during the supply chain shortage severely reduced the company's annual output."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

idiotically
idiotproof
idle
idleness
idler
idly
idol

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'idelnes', meaning emptiness, vanity, or frivolousness, formed from the adjective 'idel' (empty, useless) and the suffix '-nes'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Idleness. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/idleness
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