idle

i-dle · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Not working or active; unemployed.

  2. 2.

    To spend time doing nothing.

  3. 3.

    Without purpose or effect; pointless.

  4. 4.

    (Of an engine) To run slowly while not engaged.

  5. 5.

    (Of a machine or engine) Running but not doing useful work.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    idle hands — a state of having nothing to do (often with negative connotations)
  • •
    idle talk — meaningless conversation
  • •
    idle away — to spend time doing nothing productive

Related words

Antonyms: active, busy, industrious
See also: idol, inactive, lazy
Synonyms: inactive, lazy, unemployed, unoccupied

Etymology

From Old English idel ("empty, useless, vain"), from Proto-Germanic idilaz.