indolence

noun

in·​do·​lence ˈin-də-lən(t)s How to pronounce indolence (audio)
: inclination to laziness : sloth

Examples of indolence in a Sentence

a general feeling of indolence usually overtakes them during summer vacation
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The United States, however, has lost its capacity for self-government through stupendous intellectual indolence and the exaltation of puerilities, like Tayor Swift or Tom Brady, over thinkers like Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Marcus Aurelius, and Montaigne. Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2024 If slouching among privileged white Americans could indicate an enviable carelessness, it was seen as proof of indolence when adopted by the disadvantaged. Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024 But what if a horror movie's antagonist was an animal whose name is literally synonymous with laziness, indolence, and inactivity? Clark Collis, EW.com, 2 Aug. 2023 Getting a lot of sleep is virtuous (wellness, leisure) and also objectionable (self-indulgence, indolence). Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 12 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for indolence 

Word History

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indolence was in 1710

Dictionary Entries Near indolence

Cite this Entry

“Indolence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indolence. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

indolence

noun
in·​do·​lence ˈin-də-lən(t)s How to pronounce indolence (audio)
: the quality or state of being indolent : laziness

More from Merriam-Webster on indolence

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!