Slothful Definition, Examples & Usage Guide

Meaning 1：indolent (slothful)

slothful 🔊

/ˈslɒθfəl/

adj.

Describing someone who is very lazy and doesn't want to work or move.

Slothful teenager lying on messy bed playing video game

indolent 🔊

➕

/ˈɪndələnt/

adj.

Characterized by an unwillingness to exert oneself; habitually idle or lazy.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：advanced

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from 'sloth' (laziness) + suffix '-ful' meaning 'full of'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'sloth' (slow animal) that is 'full' of laziness – slothful!

📖 Example

With final exams next week, his slothful mood made him just want to watch TV instead of opening his books. 🔊 With final exams next week, his slothful mood made him just want to watch TV instead of opening his books.

🔗 Collocations

slothful attitude – a lazy or indifferent attitude

slothful lifestyle – a lifestyle marked by inactivity and laziness

become slothful – to become lazy and unmotivated

🔄 Synonyms

lazy (adj.) – unwilling to work or use energy

indolent (adj.) – habitually inactive and avoiding work

idle (adj.) – not working or active; unemployed

🚫 Antonyms

industrious (adj.) – hardworking and diligent

diligent (adj.) – showing careful and persistent effort

active (adj.) – engaging in physical or mental activity

🌱 Derivatives

sloth (n.) – laziness or reluctance to work

slothfully (adv.) – in a lazy, inactive manner

slothfulness (n.) – the quality of being slothful

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'slothful' originates from Middle English 'slouthe' (laziness), related to Old English 'slǣwþ'. It is associated with the seven deadly sins in Christian tradition, where sloth (acedia) represents spiritual apathy.