loafing
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The state or activity of being idle and avoiding work or effort: "loafing" refers to spending time in a lazy or unproductive manner, often when one should be working or engaged in activity. It implies a lack of employment or purposeful occupation.
Usage
- "Loafing" is used to describe the act of idling or being unoccupied. It often carries a slightly negative connotation of wasting time or being unproductive.
- It functions as a singular noun (e.g., "His constant loafing...") or as a gerund (a verb form ending in -ing that functions as a noun, e.g., "Loafing is not allowed here.").
Examples
- Noun:
- His manager warned him that his constant loafing would lead to dismissal.
- After finishing his exams, he enjoyed a week of pure loafing.
- The park was full of people, some playing sports and others just loafing on the grass.
Advanced Usage
- "to be accused of loafing": to be charged with or criticized for being idle.
- The new intern was accused of loafing after being seen on his phone for an hour.
Variants and Related Words
- Loaf (verb): to idle or spend time doing nothing.
- He decided to loaf around the house all weekend.
- Loaf (noun): a shaped mass of bread; this is a completely different, unrelated meaning.
- Loiter (verb): to stand or wait around idly, often in a public place. This is a close synonym but can imply a specific location.
- Idling (noun): the state of being inactive or idle. A very close synonym.
Synonyms
- Idleness: the state of being inactive or not working.
- Inactivity: lack of action or movement.
- Dawdling: wasting time; being slow and idle.
Antonyms
- Industry: diligent, hard work.
- Employment: the state of having paid work.
- Activity: the condition of being active or moving.
Related Phrases
- Loafing about/around (phrasal verb): to spend time lazily, doing very little.
- He spent the summer loafing around, refusing to look for a job.