Laziness
'leɪzɪnəs
Definitions
The state or quality of being unwilling to work or exert oneself; indolence.
'leɪzɪnəs
The quality of being unwilling to work or use energy; idleness.
His laziness was evident in his constant procrastination.
💡 Simply: Laziness is when you just don't feel like doing anything that takes effort. Like, when you'd rather watch TV all day than clean your room. Or, when you have a project due, and you keep putting it off. That's laziness!
👶 For kids: Being lazy means not wanting to do anything. Like, if you don't want to play outside or help clean up, you might be lazy!
More Examples
The company's success suffered due to widespread laziness among employees.
She overcame her laziness by setting small, achievable goals each day.
Laziness is a major obstacle to achieving your dreams.
How It's Used
"Laziness can lead to procrastination."
"Studies have linked chronic laziness with potential mental health issues."
Idioms & expressions
lazy bones
A person who is lazy.
"Come on, you lazy bones, get up and do your chores!"
to be a lazy bum
To be someone very lazy and unwilling to work.
"He's just a lazy bum, always lying around on the couch."
From Middle English *lasynes*, from *lasy* (lazy) + *-nes* (suffix forming nouns of state or condition). The word 'lazy' itself comes from the Old English *læw* (sluggish, slow).
The term has been used since the late 14th century and has consistently referred to an unwillingness to work or exert oneself.
Memory tip
Imagine a sleepy sloth hanging upside down—that's laziness!
Word Origin
"From *læw* (sluggish, slow)."