idle
/ˈaɪd(ə)l/ adjective B2- Not being used appropriately; not occupied; (of time) with no, no important, or not much activity. · idle hours· My computer hibernates after it has been idle for 30 minutes.
- Not engaged in any occupation or employment; unemployed; inactive; doing nothing in particular. · idle workmen
- Averse to work, labor or employment; lazy; slothful. · an idle fellow
- Of no importance; useless; worthless; vain; trifling; thoughtless; silly. · an idle story; idle talk; idle rumor; idle threats; idle pleasures
From the library
“Sir,” replied he, “if you came to me with the idea of demanding satisfaction, you should have gone at once to the point, and not have entertained me with the idle conversation to which I have been patiently listening for the last half hour.
“You’ll have to learn to resist the fascination of Idle-whatever-you-call-it.
“And I wish my collection were larger for your benefit and my own credit; but I am an idle fellow; and though I have not many, I have more than I ever looked into.”
Those who chose to be idle certainly might.”
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