What does indolence mean?
Indolence is a formal noun meaning habitual laziness or a reluctance to exert effort. It describes not simply a single moment of rest, but a persistent tendency toward inactivity, passivity, or avoidance of necessary work. In ordinary use, the word is usually critical: a speaker who accuses someone of indolence suggests that they have the capacity to act but fail or refuse to do so. It can also refer more figuratively to a society, organization, or historical period marked by lack of initiative. Although “laziness” is more familiar in everyday English, “indolence” gives the idea a more formal, sometimes literary quality and suggests a character flaw rather than a temporary lack of motivation.
nounHabitual laziness or reluctance to exert effort and activity. Indolence is a formal term for a disposition toward inactivity or avoidance of purposeful work.
- Habitual laziness or reluctance to exert effort and activity.
"Despite her obvious talents, a long period of indolence kept her from completing the project."
"The critic blamed the artist's indolence for the long gap between the two exhibitions."
"Economic growth slowed in the region partly because of widespread indolence among the workforce."
Indolence comes from the Latin for “to be lazy,” making the word both a formal label for laziness and a reminder that idleness has ancient linguistic roots.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does indolence come from?
Indolence comes through French from Latin indolentia, a noun formed from the present participle of indolere, “to be lazy” or “to be indolent.” The Latin verb is commonly analyzed as in- plus dolere, “to suffer,” reflecting an older sense of enduring pain without active resistance. The related English adjective “indolent” and adverb “indolently” continue the same Latin tradition.
Related word forms
How indolence is actually used
Indolence is formal and often carries a strongly disapproving tone. It can describe a general character trait, a prolonged pattern of inactivity, or, more figuratively, a reluctance to confront a difficult task.
Easily confused with indolence
Indolence is the noun meaning laziness, while indolent is the adjective describing a person or action characterized by laziness.
Indolence refers to laziness, whereas insolence refers to disrespectful or impudent behavior.