idlers
/ˈaɪd.lərz/
NOUN
1. People who spend their time doing nothing
People who remain inactive or unoccupied, spending their time without engaging in productive or purposeful activities.
1.1. Inactive or unoccupied people
People who spend time without working or participating in meaningful activities, often simply passing the time or lounging around.
Synonyms
- do-nothings
- loafers
- loungers
- bums
- couch potatoes
- loungers
- lotus-eaters
- lollers
- putterers
Antonyms
- achievers
- doers
- go-getters
- self-starters
- hustlers
- highfliers
Examples
- The idlers gathered in the park, spending the afternoon chatting and watching people pass by.
- The town square became a popular meeting place for idlers with little to do.
- Rather than joining the activities, the idlers remained seated under the trees.
Related Words
- idleness
- inactivity
- leisure
- passivity
- loitering
- relaxation
1.2. Lazy people who avoid work
People characterized by laziness, unwillingness to make an effort, or a habit of avoiding responsibilities and productive work.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- hard workers
- industrious people
- diligent workers
- go-getters
- achievers
- hustlers
Examples
- The supervisor warned the idlers that continued laziness would affect the team's productivity.
- The company introduced stricter rules to discourage idlers from wasting working hours.
- Nobody wanted to depend on idlers who consistently avoided their responsibilities.
Related Words
1.3. People who delay tasks or make little progress
People who habitually waste time through procrastination, slow progress, unnecessary delays, or reluctance to complete tasks.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- go-getters
- doers
- self-starters
- highfliers
- achievers
Examples
- The idlers were still discussing the project while everyone else had already started working.
- Deadlines are difficult to meet when idlers continually postpone important tasks.
- The manager encouraged the idlers to stop delaying their assignments.
Related Words
1.4. People who deliberately avoid assigned duties
People who shirk responsibilities, neglect assigned work, or pretend to be unable to work in order to avoid their obligations.
Synonyms
- shirkers
- goldbricks
- malingerers
- clock-watchers
- slackers
- quitters
- dropouts
Antonyms
- responsible workers
- diligent employees
- committed workers
- industrious people
- self-starters
Examples
- The manager identified several idlers who repeatedly avoided their assigned duties.
- The company took action against idlers who pretended to be busy while neglecting their work.
Related Words
- shirking
- malingering
- neglect
- dereliction
- work avoidance
- irresponsibility
NOUN
2. Members of a ship's crew exempt from night watch
Members of a ship's crew who are not required to perform the scheduled night-watch duty.
2.1. Maritime watchkeeping duties
A nautical term referring to crew members who are exempt from the ship's night-watch rotation and therefore do not have to stand night watch.
Synonyms
- off-watch sailors
- non-watchkeeping crew members
Antonyms
- watchkeepers
- night-watch sailors
- lookouts
Examples
- The idlers were exempt from the night-watch rotation while the other sailors took their assigned shifts.
- The captain arranged the watch schedule and identified which crew members would serve as idlers.
Related Words
- ship's crew
- sailors
- seamen
- night watch
- watchkeeping
- shipboard duties
NOUN
3. Mechanical devices that support moving belts
Mechanical components, such as pulleys or wheels, that support or guide moving belts or chains without transmitting driving power.
3.1. Idler pulleys and belt mechanisms
Non-driving pulleys or wheels used in mechanical systems to support, guide, or maintain the tension of moving belts and chains.
Synonyms
- idler pulleys
- guide pulleys
- support pulleys
- guide wheels
Antonyms
- drive pulleys
- driving pulleys
Examples
- The mechanics replaced the worn idlers to restore proper belt alignment.
- Damaged idlers can cause excessive wear in industrial conveyor systems.
- The machine uses several idlers to guide the moving belt smoothly.
Related Words
- belt tensioners
- rollers
- transmission systems
- mechanical drives
- belt mechanisms
- pulleys