VocabDictionary

loafing

/ˈloʊ.fɪŋ/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

Present participle of loaf; spending time idly and lazily, avoiding work or effort.

Example Sentences:
  • Instead of studying for his exams, he spent the entire weekend loafing around the house.
  • The manager warned the employees against loafing on the clock.
2.noun

The act of spending time in an idle, lazy, or unproductive manner.

Example Sentences:
  • He dedicated his Sunday afternoon to pure, uninterrupted loafing.
  • His supervisor accused him of chronic loafing.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “loafing”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the verb 'loaf' (to spend time idly), which likely originated in the mid-19th century as a back-formation from 'loather' or 'loafer' (a lazy person). 'Loafer' itself may have been influenced by the German 'laufen' (to run about, vagabond) combined with or altered by English dialect words.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Picture someone lying on the couch all day eating a whole 'loaf' of bread instead of working.

Frequently Asked Questions About “loafing

1. What is the meaning of “loafing” in English?

In English, loafing (verb) is defined as: “Present participle of loaf; spending time idly and lazily, avoiding work or effort.”.

2. How do you use “loafing” in a sentence?

Instead of studying for his exams, he spent the entire weekend loafing around the house.

3. What are English synonyms of “loafing”?

Common synonyms include:idling,lazing,slacking,dawdling,loitering

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “loafing”?

Derived from the verb 'loaf' (to spend time idly), which likely originated in the mid-19th century as a back-formation from 'loather' or 'loafer' (a lazy person). 'Loafer' itself may have been influenced by the German 'laufen' (to run about, vagabond) combined with or altered by English dialect words.

loafing Meaning in English - English Definition & Pronunciation | Vocab Dictionary | Vocab Dictionary