idle Definition
- 1not working or being used
- 2not having any real purpose or value
- 3not active or busy
Using idle: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "idle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The factory has been idle for years.
Example
He was idle all day and didn't do anything productive.
Example
She left her car idle while she went into the store.
Example
The engine was idling smoothly.
idle Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for idle
Antonyms for idle
Phrases with idle
people who have nothing to do often get into trouble or mischief
Example
I always make sure to keep myself busy; idle hands are the devil's workshop.
idle talk
gossip or conversation that is not important or meaningful
Example
I don't want to hear any more idle talk about my personal life.
Example
He made an idle threat to quit his job, but he never actually did it.
Origins of idle
from Old English 'īdel', meaning 'empty, useless'
Summary: idle in Brief
The term 'idle' [ˈaɪdl] describes something that is not working or being used, lacks purpose or value, or is not active or busy. Examples include 'The factory has been idle for years,' and 'He was idle all day and didn't do anything productive.' The phrase 'idle hands are the devil's workshop' warns against the dangers of boredom, while 'idle talk' refers to meaningless conversation.
