indolence
C1/C2Formal, literary, academic
Definition
Meaning
Habitual laziness or avoidance of exertion.
A state of being inactive, slow, or apathetic; a tendency to do nothing. Can also imply a comfortable, relaxed lifestyle (sometimes with positive connotations) as opposed to a negatively perceived laziness.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun describing a state or quality. Often used to critique a lack of effort or initiative. In some literary/archaic contexts, can describe a pleasant, leisurely idleness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in formal British writing.
Connotations
In both variants, the primary connotation is negative (laziness). A secondary, more positive connotation of 'blissful idleness' is possible but rarer and context-dependent.
Frequency
Low frequency in spoken language for both; higher in formal written prose.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
(Verb) + indolence: 'feign indolence', 'display indolence', 'descend into indolence'(Adjective) + indolence: 'blissful indolence', 'sheer indolence'(Preposition) + indolence: 'a life of indolence', 'given to indolence'Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A life of indolence”
- “Sink into indolence”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Critically describes an unproductive workforce or management style: 'The project failed due to managerial indolence.'
Academic
Used in history, sociology, or literature to describe societal or character traits: 'The poet criticized the indolence of the aristocracy.'
Everyday
Rare in casual speech. Might be used humorously or formally: 'My weekend was spent in glorious indolence.'
Technical
Not typically used in STEM fields. Occasionally in psychology or economics discussing motivation or productivity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adverb
British English
- He waved indolently from the hammock.
- The cat stretched indolently in the sun.
American English
- She indolently scrolled through her phone.
- The river flowed indolently through the valley.
adjective
British English
- His indolent attitude was noted in the review.
- They spent an indolent afternoon by the river.
American English
- The hot weather made everyone feel indolent.
- She gave an indolent shrug in response.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- After lunch, a feeling of indolence came over the whole office.
- He was fired for indolence, not for making mistakes.
- The government was accused of indolence in its response to the crisis.
- Her summer was not one of adventure, but of pleasant indolence.
- The novel explores the moral decay born of wealth and indolence.
- Critics lambasted the bureaucratic indolence that stifled innovation.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: IN DOOR LENTS (as in, staying inside during Lent, avoiding activity). The word sounds like 'in-doll-ence' – imagine a doll just sitting there, doing nothing.
Conceptual Metaphor
INDOLENCE IS A PHYSICAL BURDEN (weighed down by indolence) / INDOLENCE IS A PLEASURABLE SUBSTANCE (indulging in indolence).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'безразличие' (indifference/apathy). Indolence is about lack of *action*, not lack of *care*.
- The closest common translation is 'лень', but 'indolence' is more formal and less colloquial than 'лень'.
- Avoid using 'индолентность' as a direct calque; it's a medical term in Russian.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'indolance' or 'indolense'.
- Using it as a synonym for 'boredom' (it's about inaction, not the feeling).
- Using it in informal contexts where 'laziness' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses 'indolence' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Most often yes, implying blameworthy laziness. However, in literary contexts, it can describe a positive, relaxed state (e.g., 'blissful indolence').
'Indolence' is more formal and often implies a habitual, ingrained state of inactivity. 'Laziness' is more direct, colloquial, and can describe a single instance or a general trait.
Yes, commonly. E.g., 'the indolence of the bureaucracy', 'social indolence'.
'Indolent'. E.g., 'an indolent student', 'an indolent afternoon'.