adjective
lackadaisical
lak-uh-DAY-zik-ul
Lackadaisical (adjective) means lacking energy, care, or determination; doing something in a half-hearted and casually careless way. Example: “Their lackadaisical defending cost them the match.”
adjective
1
Lacking energy, care, or determination; doing something in a half-hearted and casually careless way.
"Their lackadaisical defending cost them the match."
"A lackadaisical attitude to deadlines is the one thing this job will not survive."
How to use lackadaisical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot bothering to try very hard.
When to use it
Neutral in register but always critical in force. Common in sports reporting and workplace feedback.
Memory tip
There is no word lacksadaisical, and it has nothing to do with lacking. Note the -ai- in the middle.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
lackadaisical vs lazy
lackadaisical vs laid-back
lackadaisical vs lax
Common pairings
lackadaisical approach
lackadaisical attitude
lackadaisical effort
lackadaisical performance
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Their _____ defending cost them the match.
Etymology
From lackadaisy, a playful alteration of the old exclamation of regret alack the day, plus the ending -ical.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for lackadaisical
See all rhymes for lackadaisical →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between lackadaisical and lazy?
Lazy means unwilling to work at all. Lackadaisical means going through the motions without commitment — the person turns up and does the task, but with no energy or care. It criticises the manner rather than the willingness.
Is lackadaisical the same as laid-back?
No. Laid-back is complimentary or neutral and describes a relaxed temperament. Lackadaisical is a complaint, implying that the relaxed manner is inappropriate to what the situation demanded.
Does lackadaisical come from the word lack?
No, despite appearances. It grew out of the old exclamation "alack the day", an expression of woe, which became lackadaisy and then lackadaisical. The resemblance to lack is coincidental.
What is the meaning of lackadaisical?
"lackadaisical" (adjective) means lacking energy, care, or determination; doing something in a half-hearted and casually careless way.
