slacker

[ slak-er ]

noun

1. a person who evades their duty or work; shirker.

   Synonyms: malingerer, laggard, dodger

2. an especially educated young person who is antimaterialistic, purposeless, apathetic, and usually works in a dead-end job.
3. a person who evades military service.

slacker

/ ˈslækə /

noun

1. a person who evades work or duty; shirker
2. informal.
   1. an educated young adult characterized by cynicism and apathy
   2. ( as modifier )

      slacker culture

Word History and Origins

Origin of slacker¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; slack ¹( def ) + -er ¹( def ); slacker def 2 popularized by the film Slackers (1991)

Example Sentences

It demonstrated the actor’s range, but Amos began to sour on the show as he felt the focus shifting to the low comic antics of Jimmie Walker as slacker son J.J.

From Los Angeles Times

While the letter doesn't call out any groups by name, the message is clearly intended to put slackers on high alert.

From Salon

Some of the plot is just unnecessary padding, like Daniel’s girlfriend troubles and slacker mentality, spiking in an odd scene where he hysterically bemoans his own uselessness.

From New York Times

Following a cast of slackers and crackpots in suburban Florida, the video game-like musical comedy marries gummy 3-D graphics and stoned-guy humor with sly commentary on hustle culture and the gig economy.

From New York Times

At worst, he was a slacker who didn’t like to write tickets and dodged radio calls.

From Los Angeles Times