idleness

[ ahy-dl-nis ]

noun

1. the quality, state, or condition of being lazy, inactive, or idle:

   His lack of interest in the larger world and his consummate idleness were the causes of their dreadful divorce.

Word History and Origins

Origin of idleness¹

before 1000; idle ( def ) + -ness ( def )

Example Sentences

De Bascher was the opposite, a dandy who enjoyed dissolute idleness with an elegant insouciance.

From New York Times

They contend that the women in Cassatt’s paintings could only be accused of idleness by people who are ignorant about the wearying demands of child care and housekeeping.

From New York Times

Save for a throwaway comment Jada makes about Michael and Jacob coming from money, “Zoomers” acts as if the wealth needed to afford all of this idleness and self-therapizing is a given for young people.

From New York Times

"Most of the young people who have come are unemployed. Getting registered is a blessing for us given the idleness and lack of work," he said.

From Reuters

Prefiguring today’s summer school advocates, who note that poor kids in particular lose academic skills during the summer, one advocate contended that vacation schools would “prevent the demoralizing effect of the long weeks of idleness.”

From Los Angeles Times