Shiftless — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈshif(t)-ləs/ shift·less

Meaning & Definition of Shiftless

Shiftless (adjective)

  1. lacking in resourcefulness, inefficient
  2. lacking in ambition or incentive, lazy

Shiftless (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. not easily aroused to action or work

    "shiftless spongers who never thought to do anything for themselves"

    similar: idle, indolent, lazy, slothful
    related: apathetic, drowsy, dull, inert, languorous, lazyish, lethargic, listless, quiescent, sleepy, sluggish, supine, torpid
    opposite: industrious
    near: ambitious, diligent, enterprising, zealous, active, animated, bouncing, brisk, dynamic, energetic, exuberant, frisky, jaunty, jazzy, lively, peppy, perky, pert, snappy, spirited, sprightly, springy, vigorous, vivacious, zippy

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Shiftless

The most common words with a similar meaning to Shiftless:

idle, indolent, lazy, slothful

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Shiftless

Words with the opposite meaning of Shiftless:

industrious

Related Words for Shiftless

apathetic, drowsy, dull, inert, languorous, lazyish, lethargic, listless, quiescent, sleepy, sluggish, supine, torpid

Near Antonyms of Shiftless

ambitious, diligent, enterprising, zealous, active, animated, bouncing, brisk, dynamic, energetic, exuberant, frisky, jaunty, jazzy, lively, peppy, perky, pert, snappy, spirited, sprightly, springy, vigorous, vivacious, zippy

Word Forms of Shiftless

Derived words: shiftlessly (adverb), shiftlessness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Shiftless

shift (resourcefulness)

First known use: circa 1584

Frequently Asked Questions about Shiftless

What does "Shiftless" mean?

"Shiftless" means lacking in resourcefulness, inefficient. As an adjective, it is defined as: lacking in resourcefulness, inefficient.

What is another word for "Shiftless"?

Other words for "Shiftless" include idle, indolent, lazy and slothful. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Shiftless" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Shiftless"?

There are 17 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Shiftless". Common alternatives include idle, indolent, lazy and slothful.

What is the opposite of "Shiftless"?

Antonyms of "Shiftless" include industrious. Near antonyms include ambitious, diligent, enterprising and zealous.

How do you use "Shiftless" in a sentence?

Examples of "Shiftless" in a sentence: "shiftless spongers who never thought to do anything for themselves".

Is "Shiftless" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Shiftless" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Shiftless"?

"Shiftless" is pronounced /ˈshif(t)-ləs/ and divided into syllables as shift·less.

What is the origin of the word "Shiftless"?

"Shiftless" comes from shift (resourcefulness). First known use: circa 1584.