What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
idling
Example
The car was idling in the driveway for no reason. [idling: verb]
Example
He was idling away his time instead of studying for the exam. [idling: gerund or present participle]
loafing
Example
He was loafing around the house all day instead of doing his chores. [loafing: verb]
Example
She spent the afternoon loafing on the couch, watching TV. [loafing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Idling is more commonly used than loafing in everyday language, especially when referring to machines or engines. Loafing is less common and has a stronger negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between idling and loafing?
Both idling and loafing are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
