lazy
UK[ˈleɪzi]US[ˈleɪzi]
adj
Unwilling to work or use energy; characterized by a lack of effort or activity.
adj
Showing a lack of care or making little effort.
Etymology
The origin of the word 'lazy' is somewhat obscure, first appearing in English in the mid-16th century. It is possibly derived from Low German lasich, meaning 'languid' or 'idle', which itself may be related to the Middle Low German las, meaning 'weary' or 'languid'. This Germanic root suggests a semantic journey from a state of physical weariness or slackness to the more behavioral and moral connotation of being averse to labor. The word's history reflects a shift from describing a condition of the body to an attribute of character, solidifying its modern meaning of an unwillingness to exert effort.
Analysis
The word 'lazy' is a simplex word of uncertain origin, likely a later formation in English. It is not productively composed of smaller, recognizable morphemes from Latin or Greek within its modern spelling. Its functional role is as a base adjective.
Examples
He was too lazy to get out of bed.
It was a lazy summer afternoon.
That's a lazy piece of writing, full of clichés.