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. )

Example Sentences

The internet poses risks beyond idleness and harm to mental health.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 26, 2025

Multiple residents warned of "idleness" among the youth, who face high unemployment.

From Barron's • Nov. 12, 2025

Now under state ownership, productivity is low compared to competitors both in the UK and abroad, not due to idleness but because workers don't have the equipment they need to do their job efficiently.

From BBC • Sep. 13, 2025

The fifth Puritan credo that’s still with us is "hard work is holy, while idleness is a sin."

From Salon • May 26, 2025

Thus we spent the evening by our cook-fire in idleness.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson