shiftless
SHIFT-lus
/ˈʃɪftləs/
Characterized by laziness, lack of ambition, and inefficiency.
Implies a complete absence of resourcefulness, direction, or desire to succeed in life.
The story behind the word. In older English, 'shift' meant 'a clever strategy, resource, or means to an end.' Someone who was 'shiftless' literally lacked any strategies or resourcefulness to manage their own life.
Word relationships
- aimless: Aimless means lacking direction, whereas shiftless adds a strong element of lazy inefficiency.
- irresponsible: Irresponsible refers to failing obligations; shiftless highlights a general lack of ambition.
- resourceful: Resourceful means skilled at solving problems and finding solutions.
- ambitious: Ambitious means having a strong determination to achieve success.
Commonly confused with
- shifty: Shifty means deceitful or evasive, while shiftless means lacking ambition or drive.
Word family
- shiftlessness (noun): The quality or state of lacking ambition and resourcefulness.
Collocations
- shiftless wanderer
- shiftless lifestyle
- shiftless behavior
Idioms & expressions
- ne'er-do-well
- good-for-nothing
Example sentences
- "The community looked down on the shiftless young man who refused to seek steady work." Literature citation
- "He spent his inheritance on idle gambling, proving to be as shiftless as his rivals feared." Historical fiction
Memory hook
SHIFTLESS: Lacking the ability to SHIFT gears in life or find a resource. Cannot shift into gear.
When not to use
Do not use for a temporary break or a well-deserved vacation.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'make shift' (to improvise) comes from the same old meaning of 'shift' as a practical resource.
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