idle

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "idle" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that describes a state of inactivity or lack of being productive. Example: The workers were idle for hours as the factory was closed for maintenance.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite the president's deliberate attempt to talk down the markets and the media's dramatic warnings of economic Armageddon posed by a mere 17% of the government remaining temporarily idle, the S&P 500 closed at a record high the day after the shutdown ended.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the busiest day of the show, fresh juice and pizza vans were standing idle.

The Guardian

We chewed over the usual unremarkable topics: The X Factor, future plans, idle gossip, the new Bond film.

The Guardian - Opinion

So Osborne's cuts will boost the City, and transfer money away from productive investment and into idle corporate piggy banks, thus damaging the economy and leaving it even more City-dominated than before.

The Guardian - Opinion

Young children formerly employed by dealers as look-outs are laid off, leaving them idle and in poverty.

The Guardian

In the dystopian society they envisage, machines have taken over most jobs and humans are left idle – except for those who know how to code.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pyrolysis of forest residues from 200 hectares of timberland, pyrolysis of crop residues from 120 million hectares of farmland, and pyrolysis of fast-growing vegetation from another 30 million hectares of idle cropland could each sequester about ten percent of U.S. annual fossil-fuel emissions.

The Guardian

There's masses to do (should you feel the need) as well as space to idle the day away sipping on a fruit punch in the shade of a swaying palm.

The Guardian - Travel

As it propagates perverse caricatures of communities brimming with the feckless and the idle, the actual situation facing people around the UK is airbrushed out of the picture.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Oliver Miles says "it would be idle to look for public agreement since the administration's hands are tied by Congress" (Comment, 27 September).

The Guardian

His cuts will take money away from a sector (government) that invests it directly in universities and roads, and give it to a sector (corporations) that will let it sit idle.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing people, use "idle" to refer to someone who is not working or is avoiding work. However, be mindful of the potentially negative connotation and consider alternatives like "resting" or "taking a break" depending on the context.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "idle" with "idol". "Idle" refers to a state of inactivity or being unused, while "idol" refers to an object of worship or a person greatly admired. Using the wrong word can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The word "idle" primarily functions as an adjective to describe a state of inactivity, disuse, or lack of productivity. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing machines, people, and resources that are not currently engaged in their intended function, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "idle" functions primarily as an adjective, denoting a state of inactivity or disuse. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, the term is frequently encountered in News & Media and Formal & Business sectors, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. When using "idle", be mindful of potential confusion with "idol" and consider the negative connotations when describing people. Alternatives like "inactive" or "unused" may offer a more nuanced description depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Inactive

Emphasizes a lack of activity or movement.

Unused

Focuses on the state of not being utilized or put to work.

Dormant

Suggests a state of suspended activity, often temporarily.

Unoccupied

Highlights that something is not currently being used or inhabited.

Static

Implies a lack of change or progress.

Nonoperational

Indicates that something is not functioning or in service.

Out of service

Specifically refers to something being temporarily or permanently unavailable for use.

At rest

Describes a state of being still and not in motion.

Not working

A simple and direct way to express that something is not functioning.

Unproductive

Highlights the lack of output or results.

FAQs

How can I use "idle" in a sentence?

The word "idle" can be used to describe something or someone that is not active or in use. For example: "The factory machines were "idle" during the power outage" or "The "idle" workers were waiting for instructions".

What are some synonyms for "idle"?

Alternatives to "idle" include "inactive", "unused", "dormant", and "unoccupied". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the machine is idle"?

Yes, "the machine is idle" is grammatically correct. It means the machine is running but not actively performing its intended function. You can also say "the machine is "inactive"" or "the machine is "not in use"".

What is the difference between "idle" and "lazy"?

"Idle" and "lazy" both describe a lack of activity, but "lazy" implies a disinclination to work or make an effort. "Idle" simply means not active or in use, without necessarily implying a negative attitude. A person can be "idle" due to lack of work, but being "lazy" is a character trait.