adjective
lackadaisical
lak-uh-DAY-zih-kuhl/ˌlækəˈdeɪzɪkl/
Showing little enthusiasm or effort.
The lackadaisical gardener lounges with an unused rake while weeds overrun the bed.
Etymology
From an exclamation of sorrow, lackadaisical originally described someone given to sentimental lamenting. Its shift toward lazy indifference was probably influenced by lax, meaning loose or slack.
In context
you forget that you kept us from voting and then blamed us for being lackadaisical at the polls
More examples
- She gives a lackadaisical shrug and leaves the dishes in the sink.
- A lackadaisical search is unlikely to turn up the missing receipt.
- The players seem more lackadaisical after the long break.
Forms
lackadaisical · more lackadaisical · most lackadaisical
lackadaisically adverb — In a way showing little enthusiasm or effort.
Similar words
- apathetic
- Emphasizes lack of interest or concern rather than casual effort.
- listless
- Emphasizes low energy, often from tiredness rather than carelessness.
- halfhearted
- Emphasizes incomplete commitment to a particular effort or action.