indolent

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'indolent' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone who is lazy or sluggish and disinclined to take action. Example sentence: The indolent student spent his days lounging around the house instead of studying.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We know of many people who have had their tumours stop growing or become very indolent as a result of this diet, making these cells vulnerable to other kinds of non-toxic drugs and treatment".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The island's honeypot for the indolent independent traveller is La Luna, a gorgeous detail-perfect boutique hotel in a secluded bay 15 minutes from the capital, St George's.

The Guardian - Travel

The Germans orchestrating the rescue package hit back: why should fiscally sensible north Europeans pay for the profligacy of indolent Mediterraneans?

The Guardian

The indolent political generation brought forth by Mr Berlusconi may finally be booted out, but there is no obvious replacement.

The Economist

If the sauce coming out of a factory does not have the requisite gloopiness, that can then be detected immediately.Technology Quarterly More than just digital quilting A classic invention Return of the human computers Indolent or aggressive?

The Economist

Grading cancer cells into "indolent" and "aggressive", and hazarding an opinion about whether they spell a treatable condition or an untreatable one, has remained the realm of the human expert.But not for much longer, if Daphne Koller, a computer scientist at Stanford University, and her colleagues have their way.

The Economist

Within the Olive Tree, Mr Rutelli's own Daisy, a new umbrella group of four parties, did well, scoring 14.5%, a success that has allowed Mr Rutelli, who fought a lively campaign, despite limited finances and indolent partners, to become leader of the opposition.In this section Sputtering, but not dying Harsh medicine Berlusconi wins.

The Economist

Over the past 500 years everything from chess to coffee houses and vernacular Bibles has been seen as possibly corrupting the young, making them frivolous or indolent or filling their minds with nonsense.

The Economist

Even the Greens, who say they want one, have voted against the only one they have been offered.The parties are also indolent (the tired Howard government achieved little after 2003 other than a misjudged labour reform) or incompetent.

The Economist

The impression one gets of union members is of indolent work-dodgers who down tools whenever their employer repaints the staff canteen in a colour they don't like.This downbeat coverage is rather odd given the role unions still play in society.

The Economist

They recently reported in Science Translational Medicine that they have written a program which can distinguish between grades of breast-cancer cell and in a way that provides a more accurate prognosis than a human pathologist can.Technology Quarterly More than just digital quilting A classic invention Return of the human computers Indolent or aggressive?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indolent" when you want to convey a more formal or literary tone than simply saying "lazy". It suggests a deeper-seated disinclination towards activity.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "indolent" (lazy) with "indigent" (poor). While both might describe someone's circumstances, they refer to different qualities.

Linguistic Context

The word "indolent" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe someone or something that is lazy, inactive, or slow-moving. Ludwig confirms this use as grammatically correct and usable. For example, "The "indolent" student..."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indolent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective to describe someone or something as lazy, inactive, or slow-moving. As supported by Ludwig, its use spans across various contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and formal business settings, showcasing a neutral register. When aiming for a more formal and critical tone than simply "lazy", "indolent" is a suitable choice, keeping in mind not to confuse it with "indigent". Its versatility allows it to describe both people and processes, making it a valuable word in your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lazy

A more common and general term for lacking motivation to work.

slothful

Implies a habitual laziness and aversion to exertion.

lethargic

Suggests a state of weariness and reduced vitality, making one disinclined to activity.

inactive

Describes a state of not being engaged in physical or mental activity.

work-shy

Specifically avoids work or effort.

shiftless

Lacking ambition or purpose, resulting in idleness.

laggard

Someone who makes slow progress and falls behind.

negligent

Failing to take proper care in doing something.

torpid

Inactive or sluggish.

apathetic

Showing or feeling no interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "indolent" in a sentence?

You can use "indolent" to describe someone who is habitually lazy or resistant to exertion, for example: "The "indolent" student never completed his homework."

What words are similar to "indolent"?

Synonyms for "indolent" include "lazy", "slothful", and "lethargic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to describe a process as "indolent"?

Yes, "indolent" can also describe processes or conditions that are slow or inactive, such as an ""indolent" infection".

What's the difference between "indolent" and "lackadaisical"?

While both describe a lack of enthusiasm, "indolent" emphasizes a disinclination to work, while "lackadaisical" suggests a careless or half-hearted approach to a task.