idleness

USAGE SUMMARY

"idleness" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to an inclination to do nothing or to avoid work, as in the example sentence: "John's idleness was one of the main reasons he was ultimately fired from his job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or, to quote Carlyle, one of the "brainworkers" in the picture, "In Idleness alone is there perpetual despair".

The Guardian - Arts

Work is, after all, more productive and cheaper than prison or idleness.

The Guardian

Public ignorance of what is really going on resides in two complementary facts: the idleness of reporters and the arrogance of scientists.

The Guardian

William Beveridge, whose 1942 report laid its foundations, pledged a war on the "giant evils" of squalor, ignorance, want, idleness and disease.

The Economist

The immediate pleasures of gambling, drinking and idleness are real; so too are the costs of suppressing them.

The Economist

A 1923 Board of Education report dealt with boys' under-performance simply by noting their habit of "healthy idleness".Idleness is a threat, however, in an era of performance targets, highly publicised literacy drives and international league tables.

The Economist

Look at today's example of the high-end market that sets the wealthy apart and uses style to symbolise wealth and success.John Kelly Professor emeritus University of Illinois Jekyll Island, GeorgiaSIR – Charles Handy once wrote that "…enforced idleness seems to be the price we are paying for improved efficiency.

The Economist

The life of the rural poor is extremely boring, with repetitive back-breaking tasks interrupted by periods of enforced idleness; it is far removed from Marie-Antoinettish idylls of Arcadia.

The Economist

The "New Deal" was set up to prevent youngsters from long stints of idleness.

The Economist

Since almost all big inward investments involve a package of government aid, the IDAB's enforced idleness is a pretty good indicator of a drastic slowing of foreign investment into Britain.This change has serious implications for the British economy.

The Economist

The society, collectively, has an all-purpose answer to complaints about idleness and inefficiency.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "idleness" to specifically denote a state of inactivity where one avoids work or productive activity. Consider the connotations, as it often carries a negative judgment.

Common error

Avoid using "idleness" when you mean simple rest or leisure. "Idleness" implies a negative avoidance of necessary activity, unlike rest, which is a deliberate and often necessary break.

Linguistic Context

"Idleness" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the state of being inactive, avoiding work, or lacking purpose. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in describing personal habits, societal issues, or enforced inactivity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "idleness" functions as a noun that describes a state of inactivity, often carrying a negative connotation of avoiding work or being unproductive. As Ludwig AI points out, the term is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts. Predominantly featured in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, "idleness" maintains a neutral register, making it versatile for diverse forms of communication. Be mindful to differentiate "idleness" from related terms like "leisure" or "rest", which lack the negative implications of wasted time. In essence, while "idleness" is a valid and frequently used term, careful attention to its connotations is crucial for precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laziness

Specifically denotes an unwillingness to work or exert oneself.

indolence

Suggests a habitual inclination to avoid exertion.

inactivity

Focuses more broadly on the state of not being active, which can encompass more than just avoiding work.

inaction

Emphasizes the lack of action or initiative, often in situations where action is expected or needed.

sloth

Implies a disdain for activity and a preference for ease and comfort.

loafing

Indicates spending time in an aimless or unproductive way.

lethargy

Highlights a state of weariness, passivity and reduced vitality.

faineance

Describes a state of doing nothing, especially when one has the power or duty to act.

apathy

Refers to a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern, which can lead to inactivity.

lack of productivity

Highlights the absence of output or achievement, which is a consequence of idleness.

FAQs

How can I use "idleness" in a sentence?

You can use "idleness" to describe a state of inactivity, such as: "The long vacation led to a period of "prolonged idleness"." or "His "habitual idleness" frustrated his parents."

What are some synonyms for "idleness"?

Some synonyms for "idleness" include "inactivity", "laziness", "indolence", and "lethargy". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "idleness" a formal or informal word?

"Idleness" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal word. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it is often found in more formal writing.

What is the difference between "idleness" and "leisure"?

"Idleness" implies a lack of activity, often with negative connotations of wasting time, while "leisure" refers to time spent relaxing or engaging in enjoyable activities.