noun
idleness
EYE-duhl-nuhs
Idleness (noun) means the state of not working or doing anything; laziness or inactivity. Example: “Weeks of idleness on the injured list left the athlete restless.”
noun
1
The state of not working or doing anything; laziness or inactivity.
"Weeks of idleness on the injured list left the athlete restless."
"The old proverb warns that idleness leads to mischief."
How to use idleness
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA period or state of having nothing productive to do.
Common pairings
a life of idleness
periods of idleness
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Word forms
- Plural
- idlenesses
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Weeks of _____ on the injured list left the athlete restless.
Etymology
From Old English idelnes, built on idle + -ness.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for idleness
oneness
likeness
lateness
rudeness
niceness
cuteness
awareness
whiteness
closeness
politeness
gentleness
uniqueness
See all rhymes for idleness →
Frequently asked questions
What does “idleness” mean?
The word “idleness” means the state of not working or doing anything; laziness or inactivity. In plain terms, a period or state of having nothing productive to do.
How do you pronounce “idleness”?
“Idleness” is pronounced EYE-duhl-nuhs (/ˈaɪdəlnəs/ in IPA).
How do you use “idleness” in a sentence?
Here is “idleness” used in a sentence: “Weeks of idleness on the injured list left the athlete restless.”
What part of speech is “idleness”?
“Idleness” is a noun.
Where does the word “idleness” come from?
The word “idleness” comes from Old English. From Old English idelnes, built on idle + -ness.
