shiftless — lacking ambition or initiative; lazy and inefficient
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: lacking ambition or initiative; lazy and inefficient
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈʃɪftləs/
Example Sentences
- My roommate is so shiftless that he's been 'looking for a job' for three years while playing video games all day.
- The shiftless manager spent more time planning his lunch than organizing the team's workflow.
- Don't be shiftless - take initiative and make things happen in your career.
shiftless
ADJECTIVE[/ˈʃɪftləs/]
lacking ambition or initiative; lazy and inefficient

a person slouches deeply in their chair, feet up on the desk, staring blankly at a computer screen. Their workspace is covered with unfinished projects, overflowing papers, and empty coffee cups scattered everywhere. While they waste time scrolling through their phone, important deadlines pass by unnoticed. Their motivated coworker stands nearby holding completed reports, looking frustrated at the contrast. The coworker shakes their head in disappointment at the lack of productivity. someone lacking ambition or initiative, being lazy and inefficient
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Middle English 'shift' meaning 'to manage or provide for oneself' combined with the suffix '-less'. The word originally described someone unable to shift for themselves or manage their own affairs.
Breakdown
shift (to manage/provide for oneself) + -less (without/lacking)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My roommate is so shiftless that he's been 'looking for a job' for three years while playing video games all day.”
“The shiftless manager spent more time planning his lunch than organizing the team's workflow.”
“Don't be shiftless - take initiative and make things happen in your career.”
“The company had to fire several shiftless workers who contributed nothing to productivity.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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