noun

idleness

EYE-duhl-nuhs

noun

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 notes

In plain EnglishA period or state of having nothing productive to do.

Common pairings

a life of idleness periods of idleness

idlenesses plural

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Can you complete this real example?

Weeks of _____ on the injured list left the athlete restless.

From Old English idelnes, built on idle + -ness.

oneness likeness lateness rudeness niceness cuteness awareness whiteness closeness politeness gentleness uniqueness