lazy
14 synonyms and 3 antonyms for lazy, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Unwilling to work or make an effort; disinclined to exertion.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use lazy
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Attested since the 1500s; probably from Low German lasich, "slack, feeble," though the exact origin is debated.
Full origin of lazy →Frequently asked questions
What does “lazy” mean?
The word “lazy” means unwilling to work or make an effort; disinclined to exertion. In plain terms, avoiding work or effort, or moving in a slow, relaxed way.
How do you pronounce “lazy”?
“Lazy” is pronounced LAY-zee (/ˈleɪ̯zi(ː)/ in IPA).
How do you use “lazy” in a sentence?
Here is “lazy” used in a sentence: “He was too lazy to walk to the shop for milk.”
What is another word for “lazy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “lazy” include fainéant, inert, lackadaisical, lither, otiose and sluggish.
What is the opposite of “lazy”?
The opposite of “lazy” — its antonyms — are active, diligent and industrious.
What part of speech is “lazy”?
“Lazy” is an adjective.
Where does the word “lazy” come from?
The word “lazy” dates back to around 1500 and comes from German. Attested since the 1500s; probably from Low German lasich, "slack, feeble," though the exact origin is debated.
Is “lazy” a common word?
“Lazy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between "lazy" and "idle"?
Lazy describes an unwillingness to work or make an effort and carries a critical, judgmental tone. Idle simply means not currently active or in use, so someone can be idle by circumstance but lazy by choice.
Is calling someone "lazy" an insult?
In its main sense, yes. Describing a person as lazy suggests they are unwilling to work or avoid effort, which is generally negative. The milder sense meaning slow-moving or relaxed, as in "a lazy afternoon," is not critical.