What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
loafing
Example
He spent the afternoon loafing on the couch, watching TV. [loafing: gerund or present participle]
Example
She accused him of loafing around all day instead of doing something productive. [loafing: verb]
idleness
Example
His idleness was starting to affect his mental health. [idleness: noun]
Example
She scolded him for his idleness and lack of motivation. [idleness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Idleness is more commonly used than loafing in everyday language. Idleness is a more versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while loafing is less common and has a more informal tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between loafing and idleness?
While loafing is typically associated with a casual and informal tone, idleness can be employed in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be used in more professional settings.
