What does lackadaisical mean?
Lackadaisical means lacking enthusiasm, energy, or a willingness to make an effort. It describes a person, attitude, or manner that seems apathetic, halfhearted, or uninterested, often with the implication that greater effort is required. For example, a lackadaisical response can undermine a plan, while a lackadaisical team may make little progress. The word is mildly negative rather than severely condemnatory, and it is useful when describing behaviour that is not merely occasional hesitation but a broader absence of drive or involvement. Its sound has a gently ironic quality, which can make it effective in commentary and informal conversation. Although it is related in form to the older expression lackadaisy, lackadaisical functions primarily as an adjective and is now the more established word in detailed descriptions of attitude and effort.
adjectiveLacking enthusiasm, energy, or willingness to act; showing a lack of interest or effort.
- Lacking enthusiasm, energy, or willingness to act.
"His lackadaisical response to the proposal left the team frustrated."
"The heat made everyone feel listless and lackadaisical by the afternoon."
"Rather than remain lackadaisical about the project, she revised the schedule and got the team moving again."
Lackadaisical captures that familiar state of moving through the day while caring far too little about what you are doing.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lackadaisical come from?
The word was formed in the late 18th century from lackadaisy, an expression associated with a lack of activity or enthusiasm, together with the suffix -ical. The earlier expression is linked to the English lack-a-day, whose deeper origins are uncertain. Over time, lackadaisical became established as an adjective describing behaviour marked by indifference or insufficient effort.
Related word forms
How lackadaisical is actually used
The word is mildly critical or disapproving when applied to a person, attitude, or performance. It is commonly used in informal and semi-formal English, and its extended form, lackadaisically, is also widely used.
Easily confused with lackadaisical
Lackadaisical is an adjective describing behaviour, whereas lackadaisy is usually a noun or adverb meaning a lack of enthusiasm or a period of inactivity.