indolence

American  

[in-dl-uhns] / ˈɪn dl əns /

noun

1. the quality or state of being indolent.

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Etymology

Origin of indolence

1595–1605; < Latin indolentia freedom from pain; see indolent, -ence

Explanation

If your boss catches you sleeping with your head on your desk, she's likely to comment on your indolence. Indolence is another word for laziness. The noun indolence means a habit of laziness, especially when avoiding work. In the 1600s, indolence was mostly used to mean "insensitivity to pain," from the Latin indolentia, "freedom from pain." About 100 years later, indolence came to have its current meaning, possibly because of the phrase "taking pains," which means "being careful." If you are so careful that you never leave the house, people might think of you as lazy.

Example Sentences

Nobody would’ve called it back when frontman Billie Joe Armstrong was singing about the extremes of teenage indolence in Green Day’s first hit single, “Longview.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 15, 2024

Recently, during a dramatic meeting of the Sunshine Committee when a member resigned over lawmakers’ yearslong indolence on acting on its recommendations, another member, David Zeeck, shared the frustration.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2023

From “Enlightened” to “Broad City,” from “Girls” to “I May Destroy You,” female protagonists flout expectations that they be hard-working and socially responsible, gravitating instead toward indolence and self-sabotage.

From New York Times • Feb. 19, 2022

In light of his own apparent indolence and distaste for his duties, perhaps Mr. Hice should not be using the word “vacation” quite so casually.

From Washington Post • Jul. 28, 2021

Eliza generally took no more notice of her sister’s indolence and complaints than if no such murmuring, lounging object had been before her.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë