indolent
What does "indolent" mean?
Indolent describes a state of being habitually lazy or avoiding exertion. The mental image is of someone lounging in a sunbeam, completely unbothered by the tasks or responsibilities piling up around them; it implies a deep-seated, comfortable aversion to work rather than just a temporary moment of exhaustion. While it is a formal term, it is often used with a slight touch of judgment or clinical observation. You will most commonly see it used to describe a person's character, or in medical contexts to describe a disease that progresses slowly and causes little or no pain.
"indolent" in conversation
Workplace feedback
Your performance has been quite indolent lately.
Your performance has been quite indolent lately.
I apologize; I have been struggling with motivation.
I apologize; I have been struggling with motivation.
Used here to highlight a lack of professional effort.
Describing a lazy afternoon
I spent the whole Sunday being utterly indolent.
I spent the whole Sunday being utterly indolent.
That sounds like the perfect way to recharge.
That sounds like the perfect way to recharge.
Shows how the word can be used self-deprecatingly to describe relaxation.
"indolent" in a sentence
He was too indolent to finish his chores.
He was too indolent to finish his chores.
The indolent heat of the afternoon made everyone sleepy.
The indolent heat of the afternoon made everyone sleepy.
Despite his brilliant mind, his indolent nature prevented him from achieving his potential.
Despite his brilliant mind, his indolent nature prevented him from achieving his potential.
