idleness

American  

[ahy-dl-nis] / ˈaɪ dl nɪs /

noun

1. the quality, state, or condition of being lazy, inactive, or idle.

   His lack of interest in the larger world and his consummate idleness were the causes of their dreadful divorce.

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Etymology

Origin of idleness

before 1000; idle ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Explanation

Idleness is a characteristic of being inactive. Your idleness over the summer means you really didn't do much — besides snoozing in a hammock and sipping lemonade. Anything that's not in motion has the quality of idleness, whether it's a car sitting in a parking lot with its motor running or a lazy dog lounging on the couch. This noun is often used to mean laziness, particularly when someone's not doing what they should: "His boss wasn't happy about his idleness at work." You can also use it in a more positive way: "The idleness of lying on the beach all day is my favorite thing ever."

Example Sentences

Retained from the original poem are the God of Love, Lady Reason, Shame, Idleness and Pleasure.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2023

Referring to the “Torch Song,” which is sung by Pleasure and Idleness, she said, “The harmony speaks to medieval music; but the way it’s set gives a jazz feel.”

From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2023

I thought it was a good name, the Tree of Idleness.

From The Guardian • Apr. 4, 2018

Idleness apparently doesn't make O'Sullivan ring rusty, it only makes him more lustrous.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2013

Idleness wasn’t the only reason for the added weight.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand