The word laziness, which refers to the state of being unwilling to work or use energy, is spelled with a /z/ sound at the end, despite the fact that the root word lazy ends with an /s/ sound. This is because of the special rule that certain nouns ending in the suffix -y form their corresponding adjectives and adverbs by replacing the -y with -i and adding -ness. The IPA transcription for the word laziness is /ˈleɪzi.nəs/.
Laziness can be defined as a habitual and deliberate avoidance of activity or work that requires effort, resulting in a lack of motivation, productivity, and willingness to fulfill responsibilities. It is the tendency to be idle or idle away time without making any conscious effort to engage in productive or constructive actions.
A lazy individual typically exhibits a reluctance to expend physical or mental energy, often preferring leisure or relaxation over activities requiring exertion. This can manifest in the form of procrastination, neglect of obligations, frequent time-wasting activities such as excessive television or social media consumption, and an overall lack of ambition or drive. Laziness can also be characterized by a lack of enthusiasm or initiative towards self-improvement, personal goals, or developmental activities.
People may succumb to laziness due to various factors, such as a lack of motivation, fear of failure, low self-esteem, or an absence of interest in the task at hand. Laziness can have negative consequences, leading to reduced productivity, missed opportunities, deteriorating personal relationships, and a stagnant or unfulfilled life. It is important to note that occasional feelings of laziness are normal and can be attributed to fatigue or burnout. However, chronic laziness can become a hindrance to personal growth and goal attainment.
Overcoming laziness usually involves self-discipline, setting goals, adopting effective time management strategies, finding motivation, and developing a strong work ethic.
Indisposition to exertion or labour; habitual sloth.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word laziness dates back to the late 16th century and is derived from the Middle English word lazy which meant sluggish or indolent. The origins of lazy can be traced to the Old English word læt, which meant slow or sluggish. It is also related to the Old Norse word latr, meaning slow or dull. Over time, the word lazy developed to describe a lack of willingness or effort to engage in activities or work, giving rise to the term laziness.