Pronunciation: [slˈɒθfə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "slothful" is spelled with the letter "o" between the letters "t" and "h," even though the sound is an "uh" sound (schwa). This is because "slothful" is derived from the noun "sloth," which has the letter "o" in its spelling. In phonetic transcription, "slothful" is written as /ˈslɒθ.fʊl/ with the "o" representing an unstressed schwa sound. The word means being lazy, unwilling to work or make an effort.
Slothful is an adjective used to describe someone who is habitually lazy, indolent, or disinclined to exert effort or engage in activity. A slothful individual tends to lack motivation and shows an aversion to work or physical exertion. This person often demonstrates a sluggishness or a slowness in completing tasks, often procrastinating and preferring to avoid responsibilities.
Someone characterized as slothful generally displays a lack of enthusiasm or energy towards accomplishing goals or meeting deadlines. They may exhibit an inclination towards inactivity, finding it difficult to get started on tasks or maintain consistent effort. Slothful individuals tend to prioritize leisure or relaxation over work or productive activities, opting for idleness instead.
This term can also be applied to describe objects, processes, or situations that are sluggish, slow-moving, or characterized by a lack of progress. For example, a computer program that responds slowly or takes an extended period to load can be described as slothful.
In summary, slothful refers to a person or entity that is habitually lazy, lacking motivation, and disinclined to exert effort or engage in productive activities.
Inactive; sluggish; lazy.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "slothful" can be traced back to the Old English word "slǣw", which meant "slow" or "inactive". The term was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*slaiwijaz", which also meant "slow". Over time, "slǣw" developed into "slou" in Middle English, and eventually evolved into "slothful" in modern English. The word "slothful" refers to someone who is lazy, indolent, or lacking in energy.
