What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idle
Example
The factory was idle due to the power outage. [idle: adjective]
Example
He idled away the afternoon, watching TV. [idled: verb]
lazy
Example
She's too lazy to clean her room. [lazy: adjective]
Example
He's been lazing around all day instead of doing his homework. [lazing: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lazy is more commonly used than idle in everyday language. Lazy is a stronger and more specific term that is often used to criticize someone's behavior, while idle has a broader range of meanings and can be used in neutral or positive contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between idle and lazy?
Both idle and lazy are informal words that are used in casual conversations. However, idle can be used in more formal contexts, such as business or technical writing, while lazy is generally considered too informal for formal writing.
