lazy

[ley-zee]

adjective

lazier, laziest 

1. tending to avoid work, activity, or exertion.

   She was too lazy to take out the trash, so it just continued to pile up.

   Synonyms: slothful
   Antonyms: industrious

2. causing or characterized by idleness or inactivity.

   It was a hot, lazy afternoon.

   I’m having a lazy day today, just lounging and watching movies.

3. slow-moving; sluggish.

   a lazy stream.

   Synonyms: torpid, stagnant, inert
   Antonyms: quick

4. Computers.,  of or relating to an operator or quantifier in a search query that will return the smallest match result possible.

5. (of a livestock brand) placed on its side instead of upright.

verb (used without object)

lazied, lazying 

1. to pass time in idleness or inactivity; laze.

   They spent the afternoon lazying about on the beach.

lazy

/ ˈleɪzɪ /

adjective

1. not inclined to work or exertion

2. conducive to or causing indolence

3. moving in a languid or sluggish manner

   a lazy river

4. (of a brand letter or mark on livestock) shown as lying on its side

Other Word Forms

• lazily adverb
• laziness noun
• lazyish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lazy¹

First recorded in 1540–50; compare Low German lasich “languid, idle”

Word History and Origins

Origin of lazy¹

C16: origin uncertain

Synonym Study

See idle.

Example Sentences

“From his inability to fire Chip Kelly to his unjustifiable, lazy hire of a recently departed running backs coach as head coach, Jarmond’s performance has been abysmal.”

From Los Angeles Times

It makes an effortless centerpiece for a lazy Sunday brunch, the kind of thing that invites everyone to reach in with their hands.

From Salon

Too often he's been lazy in his work and now he was ridiculous in his discipline.

From BBC

Noem responded to the depiction on Glenn Beck’s podcast, calling it “lazy” to target her looks.

From Los Angeles Times

Emery was furious with his side after Sunday's 1-1 draw at 10-man Sunderland, saying: "We were lazy sometimes in defence. When we conceded, we were lazy."

From BBC

Related Words

• apathetic 
• careless 
• dull 
• inattentive 
• indifferent 
• lackadaisical 
• lethargic 
• passive 
• sleepy 
• tired 
• weary