adj.
Pronunciation: ' l ā -z ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: la · zi · er ; -est
Etymology: perhaps from Middle Low German lasich feeble; akin to Middle High German er leswen to become weak
Date: 1549
1 a : disinclined to activity or exertion : not energetic or vigorous b : encouraging inactivity or indolence <a lazy summer day>
2 : moving slowly : SLUGGISH
3 : DROOPY , LAX <a rabbit with lazy ears>
4 : placed on its side < lazy E livestock brand>
5 : not rigorous or strict < lazy scholarship>
– la · zi · ly \ -z ə -l ē \ adverb
– la · zi · ness \ -z ē -n ə s \ noun
– la · zy · ish \ -z ē -ish \ adjective
synonyms LAZY , INDOLENT , SLOTHFUL mean not easily aroused to activity. LAZY suggests a disinclination to work or to take trouble <take-out foods for lazy cooks>. INDOLENT suggests a love of ease and a dislike of movement or activity <the heat made us indolent >. SLOTHFUL implies a temperamental inability to act promptly or speedily when action or speed is called for <fired for being slothful about filling orders>.