idle
Translation
inactive, lazy, unemployed, pointless
Examples
The factory has been idle for months.
The factory has been idle for months.
He is an idle person who avoids work.
He is an idle person who avoids work.
It was just an idle threat.
It was just an idle threat.
Grammar Patterns
((to be)) idle to be inactive or not in use The factory has been idle for months.
Similar Words
Synonyms: inactive, lazy, unused; Antonyms: busy, active, working
Etymology
From Old English 'īdel' meaning 'empty, vain, useless'.
Memory Tips
Don't confuse with 'idol'. 'Idle' means not active. Think of a car engine 'idling' – running but not moving.