Gadit

Idle

Definitions (4)
1adjectiveNot active or in use; not working or being used.
The factory has been idle for several months.
She spent the afternoon in idle relaxation.
The car sat idle in the driveway.
2adjectiveLazy or avoiding work; not willing to be active.
He was criticized for being idle and not contributing to the team.
She felt guilty for being idle while others were working hard.
The idle student did not complete his assignments.
3adjectiveWithout purpose or effect; pointless.
They engaged in idle chatter during the meeting.
His idle threats did not scare anyone.
The conversation was idle and led nowhere.
4verbTo spend time doing nothing or avoiding work.
He idled away the afternoon by the lake.
The workers idled during the lunch break.
She idled in the garden, enjoying the sunshine.
One quick question to check you understood
Word Origin
Language
Old English
Original word
īdel
Originally meant
empty, useless
Background
The word 'idle' comes from Old English 'īdel', meaning empty or useless. It has been used in English since before the 12th century to describe things that are not in use or people who are not working.