IPA

Dictionary definition of idle

Inactivity, laziness, or lack of engagement.
"The machine stood idle, collecting dust in the corner of the workshop."

Detailed meaning of idle

When someone or something is idle, they are not working, moving, or producing any meaningful output. It can refer to a person who is idle, displaying a lack of motivation or purpose, or to a machine or device that is not in use or inactive. It often implies a wasted potential or a failure to utilize resources effectively. For example, an idle worker may be sitting without performing any tasks, or an idle engine may be turned off and not running. In a broader sense, the term "idle" can also be used metaphorically to describe a period of time characterized by a lack of progress or productivity.

Example sentences of idle

1. The factory remained idle during the holiday season.
2. After finishing his project, he found himself idle with nothing to do.
3. The idle engine emitted a low hum as it sat in the garage.
4. The children sat idle, waiting for their teacher to arrive.
5. She scolded her son for his idle behavior and lack of initiative.
6. The company's resources lay idle due to the lack of demand for their products.

History and etymology of idle

The adjective 'idle' has its roots in the Old English word 'īdel,' which meant 'empty' or 'useless.' It can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic word 'idelaz,' which conveyed the idea of being vain or unproductive. Over time, 'idle' came to describe a state of inactivity, laziness, or a lack of engagement, reflecting the notion of something being empty or unoccupied. The etymology of 'idle' highlights the historical association between idleness and a lack of purpose or usefulness, emphasizing its role in describing moments of inaction, indolence, or leisure when one is not actively engaged in productive activities.

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Further usage examples of idle

1. Despite having plenty of tasks to complete, he couldn't help but feel idle and unproductive.
2. The idle chatter in the office distracted everyone from their work.
3. During the power outage, the entire city came to an idle halt.
4. He spent his idle hours browsing the internet and scrolling through social media.
5. The idle gossip circulating in the neighborhood caused unnecessary tension among residents.
6. The idle chatter in the waiting room made time seem to crawl.
7. An idle mind often leads to creative breakthroughs.
8. The old car sat in the garage, its engine idle.
9. He couldn't tolerate the idle gossip among his coworkers.
10. After a long day, she enjoyed some idle moments of reflection.
11. The park was empty, with only idle swings swaying in the breeze.
12. The professor scolded the idle students for not participating.
13. His idle curiosity about the abandoned house led him inside.
14. In the absence of work, he slipped into a state of idle boredom.
15. The idle afternoon sun cast long shadows on the deserted street.
16. An idle lifestyle can lead to health problems in the long run.
17. She resented her partner's idle approach to household chores.
18. The dog's idle behavior indicated it needed more exercise.
19. The office was filled with the hum of idle conversations.
20. The restaurant was nearly empty, its tables idle and unattended.
21. The stagnant economy left many people in a state of idle despair.
22. She decided to break her idle habits and start a new fitness routine.
23. The river flowed silently through the idle countryside.
24. The company's idle assets needed to be put to better use.
25. They spent their vacation in idle relaxation, lounging by the pool.