# laziness

/ˈɫeɪzinəs/ (US) · /lˈeɪzɪnəs/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/laziness
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

the quality of not wanting to work or use any effort. It is the feeling of being unwilling to do something because it is too much trouble.

For teachers: the quality or state of being unwilling to exert oneself or perform work despite having the ability to do so.

## Examples

- His laziness is the reason he never finishes his homework.
- The manager was frustrated by the team's laziness during the final week of the project.
- While some view his lack of productivity as simple laziness, others argue it is a symptom of burnout caused by months of excessive overtime.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable in its abstract sense; occasionally used with 'a' when describing a specific type or instance of the quality.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.