Definition

Noun: 1. A state of habitual laziness or avoidance of activity; idleness resulting from a dislike of work or effort. It implies a preference for inactivity and a lack of motivation to engage in exertion.

Usage

Indolence is a formal noun used to describe a persistent, often inherent, tendency toward laziness. It is not typically used for a single lazy day but for a character trait or a prolonged state. It often carries a negative or disapproving tone.

Examples

• The project's failure was attributed more to the team's indolence than to a lack of resources.
• The warm, tropical climate seemed to encourage a certain pleasant indolence among the residents.
• He fought against his natural indolence and forced himself to study for several hours each day.

Advanced Usage

• "To sink into indolence": To gradually become lazy and inactive.
  • After retiring, he was careful not to sink into complete indolence and kept a busy schedule of hobbies.
• "A state of indolence": A condition characterized by laziness.
  • The long vacation left her in a state of contented indolence.

Variants and Related Words

• Indolent (adj): Having or showing a disposition to avoid exertion; slothful.
  • His indolent attitude was not appreciated by his hard-working colleagues.

Synonyms

• Laziness: The quality of being unwilling to work or use energy.
• Sloth: Reluctance to work or make an effort; laziness (often with a moral or spiritual connotation).
• Idleness: The state of being inactive or not working.
• Lethargy: A lack of energy and enthusiasm.

Antonyms

• Industriousness: The quality of being hard-working and diligent.
• Diligence: Careful and persistent work or effort.
• Activity: The condition of being active or moving about.

Related Idioms

• "A life of indolence": A lifestyle characterized by laziness and lack of purposeful activity.
  • The wealthy heir was content to lead a life of indolence and luxury.

Noun

1. inactivity resulting from a dislike of work