idle

• Describe a una persona, máquina o estado que no está activo, no trabaja o no se usa; a menudo implica pereza o falta de propósito.

Describes a person, machine, or state that is not active, working, or in use; often implies laziness or lack of purpose.

1. Not active or workingB1formal

   Not engaged in any activity; not in action or at work.

   inactivo

   • The factory machines stood idle during the strike.
   • He spent an idle afternoon just watching the clouds.
   • The workers were idle because of the power outage.

   Sinónimosat leisuredormantinactiveindolentlanguidlazyquiescentsluggishunemployedunoccupied

   Antónimosactivebusyindustriousworking

2. Without reason or factB2formal

   Lacking a basis in reason or fact; groundless.

   infundado

   • The rumors were idle gossip with no truth behind them.
   • He made idle threats that he never intended to carry out.
   • Idle speculation about the merger caused unnecessary worry.

   Sinónimosbaselessemptygroundlessunfoundedunjustifiedunreasonableunsubstantiatedunsupportedunwarrantedvain

   Antónimosjustifiedvalid

3. Not in useB1formal

   Not currently being used or operated.

   inactivo

   • The computer remained idle for hours.
   • Idle land was converted into a community garden.
   • The car sat idle in the garage all winter.

   Sinónimosavailabledormantfallowfreeinactiveunoccupiedunusedvacant

   Antónimosactivebusyin useoperationalutilizedworking

4. Silly or trivialB2formal

   Lacking serious purpose or value; frivolous.

   fútil, frívolo

   • They engaged in idle chatter about the weather.
   • Idle pastimes like watching reality TV don't interest him.
   • She dismissed the question as idle curiosity.

   Sinónimosemptyfrivolousinsignificantpointlesssillytriflingtrivialunimportantvainworthless

   Antónimosimportantmeaningfulpurposefulserioussignificantsubstantialvaluableweighty

5. Lacking restraint or responsibilityB2formal

   Showing a lack of discipline or sense of duty.

   Ocioso, irresponsable

   • Idle behavior in the classroom disrupted the lesson.
   • He was criticized for his idle lifestyle.
   • Idle hands are the devil's workshop, as the saying goes.

   Sinónimoscarelessirresponsiblelooseundisciplined

   Antónimosconscientiousdiligentdisciplinedindustriousresponsible

6. Not yielding a returnC1formal

   Not producing any profit, benefit, or result.

   improductivo, que no rinde

   • The investment lay idle, earning no interest.
   • Idle capital is a waste of resources.
   • The land remained idle, generating no income.

   Sinónimosbarrendeaddormantfruitlessnonproductiveprofitlessunproductiveunprofitable

   Antónimosfruitfulproductiveprofitable

7. Not having a jobB1formal

   Unemployed or without paid work.

   Desempleado, sin trabajo

   • He has been idle since the company closed down.
   • The government created programs to help idle workers.
   • Many idle youths are seeking employment opportunities.

   Sinónimosjoblessout of workunemployed

   Antónimosbusyemployedworking

• Sustantivo que designa el estado de un motor o mecanismo que funciona pero no está acoplado ni en uso; también la acción de no hacer nada o el tiempo en que no se trabaja o no se utiliza algo.

A noun referring to the state of an engine or mechanism that is running but not engaged or in use.

incontable

1. Idling state of an engineB2formal

   The state of an engine or other mechanism when it is running but not engaged or doing useful work.

   Ralentí del motor

   • The car was left in idle while waiting for the traffic light.
   • He adjusted the carburetor to improve the engine's idle.
   • The mechanic checked the idle speed of the motor.

   Sinónimosidling

• Verbo que significa pasar el tiempo sin hacer nada o, para un motor, funcionar sin carga ni movimiento.

A verb meaning to spend time doing nothing or to run an engine without being in gear.

1. Run without doing workB2formaltechnical

   To run an engine or machine while it is not connected to a load or doing useful work.

   Funcionar en ralentí

   • The car engine was idling while we waited.
   • He left the truck idling in the driveway.
   • The factory machines were idling during the power outage.

   Sinónimostick over

   Antónimosracerev

2. Be inactive or do nothingB1formal

   To spend time doing nothing or to remain inactive.

   estar ocioso

   • He idled away the afternoon watching television.
   • The workers were idling because the project was delayed.
   • She idled in the park, enjoying the sunshine.

   Sinónimosdallydawdlelanguishlazeloafloiterlollloungeslackvegetate

   Antónimosactfunctionlabortoilwork