idly Definition

idle
adj idler, idlest

1. Not in use; not being used; unoccupied.

Thesaurus: inactive, still, inert, dormant, motionless, out of action, unused, unoccupied, abandoned, vacant, deserted; Antonym: active, busy, engaged.
2. Not wanting to work; lazy; indolent.
3. Having no purpose or value.

Example: idle chatter
Thesaurus: useless, pointless, vain, rambling.
4. Without cause, basis or good reason; unnecessary.

Example: an idle rumour
5. Having no effect or result; not taken seriously.

Example: an idle threat

verb idled, idling

1. To spend time doing nothing or being idle.

Form: idle away time (usually)
intr
2. To do nothing or be idle.
intr
3. Said of an engine, machinery, etc: to run gently while out of gear or without doing any work.
4. To make (an engine, etc) idle.

Derivative: idleness
noun

Derivative: idler
noun

Someone who is lazy or indolent
Thesaurus: dawdler, good-for-nothing, do-nothing, slouch (slang), lazybones (slang), slacker, drone, dodger, loafer, malingerer, shirker, lounger, laggard.

Derivative: idly
adverb

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon idel, meaning ‘empty' or ‘worthless'.