Langimage
English

idleness

|i/dle/ness|

B2

/ˈaɪdlnəs/

(idle)

inactive, unused

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNoun
idleidlersidlesidledidledidlingidleness
Etymology
Etymology Information

'idleness' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'idelnes,' where 'idel' meant 'empty, vain, useless.'

Historical Evolution

'idelnes' transformed into the Middle English word 'idlenesse,' and eventually became the modern English word 'idleness.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'vain or useless,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'state of being inactive.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

the state of being inactive or not working.

His idleness led to a lack of productivity.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35