lazy

1 of 2

adjective

la·​zy ˈlā-zē How to pronounce lazy (audio)
lazier; laziest
Synonyms of lazynext
1
a
: disinclined to activity or exertion : not energetic or vigorous
The lazy child tried to avoid household chores.
b
: encouraging inactivity or indolence
a lazy summer day
2
: moving slowly : sluggish
a lazy river
3
: droopy, lax
a rabbit with lazy ears
4
: placed on its side
lazy E livestock brand
5
: not rigorous or strict
lazy scholarship
lazily
ˈlā-zə-lē How to pronounce lazy (audio)
adverb
laziness
ˈlā-zē-nəs How to pronounce lazy (audio)
noun
lazyish
ˈlā-zē-ish How to pronounce lazy (audio)
adjective

lazy

2 of 2

verb

lazied; lazying

intransitive verb

: to move or lie lazily : laze

Synonyms

Adjective

Verb

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus
Choose the Right Synonym for lazy

lazy, indolent, slothful mean not easily aroused to activity.

lazy suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble.

take-out foods for lazy cooks

indolent suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity.

the heat made us indolent

slothful implies a temperamental inability to act promptly or speedily when action or speed is called for.

fired for being slothful about filling orders

Examples of lazy in a Sentence

Adjective a lazy child who avoided household chores I should have done more work this weekend, but I was feeling lazy. a hawk flying in lazy circles Verb a good afternoon to spend lazying on the back porch
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
On Facebook, the city government shared images of cracks in the walls of the lazy river, rust in the mechanical room and chipping concrete on a pedestrian bridge. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 23 Mar. 2025 In contrast to Joe Biden, Trump is not a traditional Atlanticist, views many of Washington's security arrangements in Europe as either antiquated or unfair, and tends to scoff at the European theater writ-large as lazy teenagers who take their parent's support for granted. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 The question is, can banks move beyond lazy loyalty and build advocacy? — Michael Abbott, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025 Meanwhile, top earners in esports earn millions playing games like Fortnite. Behind the Research The researchers behind the study assert that the stereotype of a lazy gamer is a thing of the past. — Melissa Willets, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lazy

Word History

Etymology

Adjective and Verb

perhaps from Middle Low German lasich feeble; akin to Middle High German erleswen to become weak

First Known Use

Adjective

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1612, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lazy was in 1549

Phrases Containing lazy

Rhymes for lazy

See All Rhymes for lazy

Browse Nearby Words

lazurite
lazy
lazyback
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lazy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lazy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

lazy

adjective
la·​zy
ˈlā-zē
lazier; laziest
1
: not willing to act or work : indolent
2
: moving slowly : sluggish
a lazy stream
lazily
-zə-lē
adverb
laziness
-zē-nəs
noun

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