idle

adjective
UK: /ˈaɪdl/
US: /ˈaɪdl/

  1. Not working or being used.

    1. The factory is idle now.
    2. Half of the workers were idle because of the machine failure.

  2. Without purpose or effect; pointless.

    1. It is idle to worry now.
    2. Their threats were idle since no one took them seriously.

Synonyms

lazy inactive unoccupied
idle verb

  1. To spend time doing nothing; to be lazy.

    1. I idle at home all day.
    2. He idled away his time instead of studying for the exam.

  2. To run slowly, usually referring to a vehicle's engine.

    1. The car idles smoothly.
    2. Don't let the engine idle for too long it wastes fuel.
idle noun

  1. A state of not being active or employed.

    1. The machines were in idle.
    2. Prolonged idle can lead to rusting, so the machines needs occasional operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "idle" in English means: Not working or being used., Without purpose or effect; pointless..

The phonetic transcription of "idle" is /ˈaɪdl/ in British English and /ˈaɪdl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "idle": lazy, inactive, unoccupied.

Example usage of "idle": "The factory is idle now.". More examples on the page.