What does lazy mean?
Lazy means unwilling to exert effort or begin an activity, especially when responsibility, work, or even a simple task requires initiative. The word can carry a negative judgment, as when someone is called lazy for avoiding a duty, but it may also be used lightly to describe an unhurried afternoon, a slow-moving river, or a preference for rest. In technical writing, especially in computing, lazy evaluation means that values are calculated only when they are needed. These uses share an idea of delayed action, though the everyday adjective often implies a personal choice rather than a technical process. Lazy is useful because it captures not merely slowness but the social and emotional tension between activity and inactivity.
Disinclined to work, exertion, or activity; unwilling to make an effort.
"He was lazy and left the dishes until the morning."
Often critical, but frequently used in a joking or affectionate sense.
Moving, proceeding, or happening slowly and without urgency.
"A lazy breeze moved through the open window."
This sense is usually neutral and may suggest relaxation rather than fault.
In computing, designed to delay evaluation or processing until necessary.
"The framework supports lazy initialization of expensive resources."
A specialized technical use, usually appearing in programming and software documentation.
Calling someone lazy is often more revealing of the speaker's expectations than of the person being described.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lazy come from?
The adjective appeared in English during the 16th century. Its precise origin is uncertain, though it is commonly connected with Old French lasche, meaning “lazy” or “sluggish,” and ultimately with Late Latin lascus, a word associated with laxity or worthlessness. The later forms laziness and lazily were derived within English, while laze reflects the same general idea of inactivity.
Related word forms
How lazy is actually used
In everyday use, lazy usually criticizes a person's reluctance to act, but it can also be affectionate or humorous when describing a relaxed pace. The computing sense is technical and refers primarily to deferred evaluation or processing.
Easily confused with lazy
Lazy describes a reluctance to exert effort, whereas lousy describes something of poor quality or an unpleasant experience.