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.
Lackadaisical loan officers became aggressive, and in August Chase led the Eurodollar market by participating in 46 major syndicated loans totaling $1.7 billion.
From Time Magazine Archive
Lackadaisical mankind did not then dream of the thoroughness and elaboration with which Deutschland was preparing her many deep and diabolical designs.
From Villa Elsa A Story of German Family Life by Henry, Stuart Oliver
Lackadaisical Magdalens drop sentimental tears, and the Angel of the Annunciation capers above the head of an affected Virgin, while violent colours, intensified chiaroscuro, and black greasy impasto betray the neighbourhood of the tenebrosi.
From The Venetian School of Painting by Phillipps, Evelyn March
Lackadaisical in manner and matter, his carelessness provokes equal carelessness in his scholars.
From Sunday-School Success A Book of Practical Methods for Sunday-School Teachers and Officers by Wells, Amos R.
Lackadaisical gentlemen had better emigrate to fool's-land, where men get their living by wearing shiny boots and lavender gloves.
From Brave Men and Women Their Struggles, Failures, And Triumphs by Fuller, O. E. (Osgood Eaton)
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.
