adjective
-
lacking vitality and purpose
-
lazy or idle, esp in a dreamy way
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of lackadaisical
First recorded in 1760–70; lackadais(y) (variant of lackaday ) + -ical
Explanation
Even though lackadaisical sounds like it has something to do with a shortage of daisies, know that what it really means is lacking in spirit or liveliness. A person with a lackadaisical attitude shows no enthusiasm and puts forth a half-hearted effort. But it's more of a dreamy, laid back approach rather than sheer laziness. This funny-sounding adjective came about in the 18th century from the interjection lackaday, which was an old-fashioned way of saying "oh man!" or "unfortunately."
Vocabulary lists containing lackadaisical
The Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
100 SAT Words Beginning with "J," "K," and "L"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Languor Management: Synonyms for "Lazy"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He himself gave lackadaisical remarks on the convention’s first night—alongside everything else, Paxton is also an unenthusiastic public speaker—to an indifferent crowd.
From Slate ● Sep. 21, 2026
It was my characteristic lackadaisical attitude that got my father involved, and had him checking his watch and shoving me into the Sedan DeVille.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 16, 2026
Ms Wilkie accused the management companies of being disingenuous, lackadaisical and unprofessional, while questioning how the bills can be passed from one firm to another over the past nine years.
From BBC ● Aug. 13, 2025
Jared Vanderbilt’s steal and score in the fourth was a big play, but lackadaisical passing and a lack of attention threatened to cost the Lakers late.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 27, 2025
But it was summertime, so in a drowsy, lackadaisical frame of mind, Duane followed the shoreline of the Cold, Cold Ocean, paying no attention to anything other than the sound of the gentle lapping water.
From "The Very, Very Far North" by Dan Bar-el
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
