indolent

/ˈɪn.dəl.ənt/

Group 7Difficulty 2/3

Definition

(adjective)
Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy
GRE

Example in Context

The report blamed the crisis not on malice but on an indolent bureaucracy that had failed to act on repeated warnings.

Synonyms

lazyidleslothful

Etymology

Refers to someone who is lazy and avoids work.

  • in- (Latin) — not
  • dolere (Latin) — to feel pain

Memory Aid

🛌Sounds like “in dolly

My friend is so INDOLENT, she's IN DOLLY mode, lounging on the couch like a sleepy potato!

Visual Association

🥔A potato wearing sunglasses, lazily sprawled on a couch with snacks scattered around.

Semantic Clusters

Synonym Groups

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “indolent” mean on the GRE?

indolent (adjective) means “Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy”. The report blamed the crisis not on malice but on an indolent bureaucracy that had failed to act on repeated warnings.

How to remember “indolent” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “indolent” sounds like “in dolly”. My friend is so INDOLENT, she's IN DOLLY mode, lounging on the couch like a sleepy potato!

What are synonyms for “indolent”?

Common synonyms: lazy, idle, slothful.