SHIFTLESS

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does shiftless mean? 

• SHIFTLESS (adjective)
  The adjective SHIFTLESS has 1 sense:

1. lacking or characterized by lack of ambition or initiative; lazy

  Familiarity information: SHIFTLESS used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• SHIFTLESS (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Lacking or characterized by lack of ambition or initiative; lazy

Context example:

studied in a shiftless way

Similar:

ambitionless; unambitious (having little desire for success or achievement)

Derivation:

shiftlessness (a failure to be active as a consequence of lack of initiative or ambition)

 Context examples 

His parents were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people—his imagination had never really accepted them as his parents at all.

(The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald)