A2adjective1K

Lazy

UK /["/ˈleɪzi/"]/US /["/ˈleɪzi/"]/

Definition

unwilling to work or be active; doing as little as possible

In simple words: Not wanting to work or do anything.

Examples

  • He was not stupid, just lazy.
  • I was feeling too lazy to go out.
  • She's just plain lazy.
  • We spent a lazy day on the beach.
  • His smile was slow, almost lazy.
  • She smiled a lazy smile.
  • a lazy piece of work
  • Most of us are intellectually lazy about large areas of the world around us.
  • We thought we were winning, so we **got lazy**.
  • the lazy river

Usage notes

Use 'lazy' to describe someone who is not active or does not want to put in effort. It's neutral but can carry a negative connotation, especially in formal contexts. Avoid using it in professional settings to describe someone's work ethic.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a 'lazy cat' lounging in the sun.

Collocations

  • be
  • feel
  • become
  • extremely
  • fairly
  • very

Synonyms

  • idle
  • torpid

Antonyms

  • active
  • energetic
  • hardworking

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'laid-back' which means relaxed but active.
  • Using it as a verb; 'lazying' is not correct.
  • Mixing up with 'lazily' which is the adverb form.