idle
word
/ˈaɪdəɫ/
Y-duhl
/ˈaɪdəl/
Y-duhl
Definition
Not active, not working, or not being used. It can describe people who are not busy or machines that are not operating.
Usage & Nuances
"Idle" is slightly formal for people, common for machines or computers. For people, it can imply wasting time or being lazy ("idle hands"). Often used in phrases like "idle time" or "idle chatter". Don't confuse with "idol" (meaning: something worshiped).
Spanish: inactivo - desocupado - holgazánPortuguese (BR): ocioso - parado - inativoPortuguese (PT): ocioso - parado - inativoChinese (Simplified): 空闲的 - 闲置的 - 无所事事的Chinese (Traditional): 空閒的 - 閒置的 - 無所事事的Hindi: बेकार - निष्क्रिय - खालीArabic: عاطل - غير نشط - بلا عملBengali: অলস - নিষ্ক্রিয়Russian: бездействующий - праздныйJapanese: 暇な - 動いていないVietnamese: nhàn rỗi - không hoạt độngKorean: 한가한 - 작동하지 않는Turkish: boşta - kullanılmayan - aylakUrdu: بیکار - غیر فعالIndonesian: menganggur - tidak aktif
Example Sentences
Don't let your mind go idle—keep learning!
natural
The factory was idle during the holiday.
basic
He sat idle all afternoon.
basic
The car engine was idle, but the radio was on.
basic
I have some idle time before my next meeting.
natural
There was a lot of idle chatter in the office today.
natural