idle (B2)

adjective, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈaɪdl/

Definition

Not active or in use; not working or producing.

Examples

• The machine has been idle for weeks, waiting for a repair part.

• With so many factories idle, unemployment soared.

• He spent his idle hours reading novels.

How to Use idle

idle away (phrasal verb)

To spend time doing nothing useful or productive. — "He spent his youth idling away his time in cafes."

idle about (phrasal verb)

To move around without doing anything specific or useful. — "He was just idling about the house all day."

Synonyms of idle

Words with a similar meaning to idle:

• inactive
• unoccupied
• dormant
• redundant

Antonyms of idle

Words with the opposite meaning to idle:

• busy
• active
• working

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