GRE Words for Lazy and Careless

These 13 GRE words all share the meaning of lazy and careless. Studying them as one cluster is far more efficient than learning each in isolation, because the GRE tests words by how they relate to each other. Each entry below links to a full definition page with example sentences and memory hooks.

Why this cluster matters

On Sentence Equivalence you must choose two words that give the sentence the same meaning. That means the answer is almost always a synonym pair pulled from a cluster like this one. Watch the connotation tone on each word: a positive and a negative word rarely form a correct pair, even when their definitions look close.

The 13 words

desultoryadjectiveNegative tone

Lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm

dilatoryadjectiveNegative tone

Slow to act; intended to cause delay

haphazardadjectiveNegative tone

Lacking any obvious principle of organization; random

indolentadjectiveNegative tone

Wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy

lackadaisicaladjectiveNegative tone

Lacking enthusiasm and determination; carelessly lazy

languorousadjectiveNeutral tone

Characterized by tiredness or inactivity; pleasantly lazy

lethargicadjectiveNegative tone

Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic

listlessadjectiveNegative tone

Lacking energy or enthusiasm

perfunctoryadjectiveNegative tone

Carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection

remissadjectiveNegative tone

Lacking care or attention to duty; negligent

slapdashadjectiveNegative tone

Done too hurriedly and carelessly

slothfuladjectiveNegative tone

Lazy; unwilling to work or exert effort

torpidadjectiveNegative tone

Mentally or physically inactive; lethargic

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