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Definition of shiftlessness

shiftlessness

/ˈʃɪft.ləs.nəs/
shift · less · ness
Adverb:shiftlessly
•
Adjective:shiftless
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shiftlessness Lexical Profile

shiftlessness Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The quality or state of lacking ambition, energy, resourcefulness, or purpose; habitual laziness or idleness.

Example

"His chronic shiftlessness frustrated his mentors, who knew he possessed the talent to succeed if he only applied himself."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shiftlessness
Antonyms
View all antonyms for shiftlessness

• Rhymes for shiftlessness

• Nearby Words

shiftily
shiftiness
shiftless
shiftlessness
shiftwork
shifty
shiitake

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century from the adjective 'shiftless' and the noun suffix '-ness'. In this context, 'shift' refers to its older sense of 'a resource, expedient, or effort to manage on one's own' (preserved in the phrase 'to make shift'), originally meaning a lack of resourcefulness before coming to denote habitual laziness.

Cite this Entry

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