Idler Meaning in English
word
ˈaɪdəɫɝ/, /ˈaɪdɫɝ
EYE-dler
ˈaɪdlə
EYE-dluh
Definition
A person who avoids work or spends time doing nothing; sometimes, a mechanical part that does not drive but guides or supports a moving part.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal or slightly negative; often used to criticize someone's lack of activity. In mechanics, 'idler' (like 'idler wheel' or 'idler pulley') is technical jargon. Rarely used to describe oneself; mainly used about others.
Spanish: vago - haragánPortuguese (BR): preguiçoso - ociosoPortuguese (PT): preguiçoso - ociosoChinese (Simplified): 懒汉 - 闲人Chinese (Traditional): 懶漢 - 閒人Hindi: आलसीArabic: كسول - عاطلBengali: অলস - নিষ্কর্মা - আইডলার (যন্ত্রাংশ)Russian: бездельник - лодырь - паразит (разг.) - холостой ролик (техническое)Japanese: 怠け者 - アイドラ（機械部品）Vietnamese: kẻ lười biếng - bánh dẫn (cơ khí)Korean: 게으름뱅이 - 아이들러(기계 부품)Turkish: aylak - tembel - avare - avara kasnak (mekanik)Urdu: کام چور - سُستی کرنے والا - آئڈلر (مکینیکل پارٹ)Indonesian: pemalas - penganggur - roda bebas (mekanik)
Example Sentences
He is such an idler, always avoiding work.
basic
No one likes an idler in the team.
basic
The machine has an idler that keeps the belt in place.
basic
Don’t be an idler—help us clean up after lunch!
natural
He may seem like an idler, but he’s actually thinking deeply.
natural
In old novels, the city cafes are full of poets and idlers passing time.
natural