Idle

Quick meaning: Idle is an adjective meaning Not being used appropriately; not occupied; (of time) with no, no important, or not much activity.

Meaning

Not being used appropriately; not occupied; (of time) with no, no important, or not much activity.

More Meanings

1. Not engaged in any occupation or employment; unemployed; inactive; doing nothing in particular.
2. Averse to work, labor or employment; lazy; slothful.
3. Of no importance; useless; worthless; vain; trifling; thoughtless; silly.
4. (transitive) To spend (time) in idleness; to waste; to consume.
5. (intransitive) To lose or spend time doing nothing, or without being employed in business.
6. (obsolete) Empty, vacant.
7. (obsolete) Light-headed; foolish.

Example Sentences

idle workmen

an idle fellow

The youth is idle

My computer hibernates after it has been idle for 30 minutes.

Word Forms

• idles
• idling
• idled

Synonyms for idle

Depending on context, synonyms include bare, leer, void, dormant, quiescent, suspended.

Antonyms for idle

Common opposites include work, run, busy.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include lazy, indolent, faineant, bone-idle, slothful, laze.

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