Standard Lemma guide

workshy

adj · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

adj

Meaning 1

Disinclined to work; lazy.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: UK

Examples

  • Workshy benefits claimants should stop watching daytime television and get a job.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From work + shy.

Across languages

Translations

15 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: мързелив (mǎrzeliv) — disinclined to work
  • Danish: arbejdssky — disinclined to work
  • Dutch: werkschuw — disinclined to work
  • Dutch: arbeidsschuw — disinclined to work
  • Finnish: työtä vieroksuva — disinclined to work
  • Galician: preguiceiro — disinclined to work
  • Galician: nugallán — disinclined to work
  • German: arbeitsscheu — disinclined to work
  • Icelandic: latur til vinnu — disinclined to work
  • Icelandic: verklatur — disinclined to work
  • Icelandic: hyskinn — disinclined to work
  • Māori: ringa mākohakoha — disinclined to work
  • Polish: nierobotny — disinclined to work
  • Spanish: sin oficio ni beneficio — disinclined to work
  • Swedish: arbetsskygg — disinclined to work