Want to say idling differently? Here are other words for idling and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.
Meaning of idling
The primary meaning of the word "idling" is to run an engine or a machine at a low power, often when it is not being used, or to spend time doing nothing or very little.
Etymology of idling
The word "idling" originates from the verb "idle", which comes from the Old English word "idol", meaning "empty" or "void", and the suffix "-ing", which forms a present participle.
Historically, the word "idle" was used to describe something that was empty, useless, or unproductive, and over time, it evolved to include the idea of inactivity or lack of purpose.
Synonyms
loafing
lingering
delaying
dawdling
hesitating
procrastinating
stalling
waiting
tarrying
lingering
hanging
loitering
lounging
resting
relaxing
reclining
pausing
stopping
halting
ceasing
slowing
decelerating
slackening
easing
slowing down
reducing speed
decreasing pace
diminishing
lessening
weakening
faltering
flagging
languishing
idle
inactive
dormant
inert
stationary
static
unmoving
unproductive
inefficient
ineffective
unfruitful
fruitless
barren
sterile
still
quiet
motionless
stagnant
lethargic
sluggish
torpid
apathetic
indifferent
listless
Definitions
- The act of running an engine or a machine at a low power, typically when it is not being used.
- A state of inactivity or doing nothing, often due to a lack of work or purpose.
- To spend time doing nothing or very little, often in a lazy or unproductive manner.
Usage Examples
- The car was idling at the traffic light, wasting fuel and emitting pollutants.
- She spent the afternoon idling by the pool, soaking up the sun and doing nothing in particular.
- The factory was idling due to a lack of demand, and the workers were laid off temporarily.