What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
slacker
Example
He's such a slacker, always avoiding his duties. [slacker: noun]
Example
She slacked off on her studies and failed the exam. [slacked off: verb phrase]
idler
Example
He's an idler who spends his days lounging around the house. [idler: noun]
Example
She was idling away her time, waiting for something to happen. [idling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Slacker is more commonly used in everyday language than idler. Slacker is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while idler is more formal and less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between slacker and idler?
Idler is more formal than slacker and is often used in literary or academic contexts. Slacker is typically associated with a casual and informal tone.