Lackadaisical
/ˌlækəˈdeɪzɪkəl/noun
Showing a lack of enthusiasm or effort; languid and careless.
Did you know?The word grew out of the exclamation “lackaday,” a grief-stricken cry meaning “alack the day,” so its lazy modern vibe began as a genuine sigh of sorrow.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
eall
“all, wholly”
Old English
OE
lēac
“lack; want (in later English forms)?”
16th Century
English
alack
“an exclamation of sorrow or regret”
16th Century
English
lackaday
“an exclamation of lamentation, literally 'alas the day'”
18th Century
English
lackadaisy / lackadaisical
“showing or expressing languid, affected, or feeble sentiment; later, idle and careless”
Modern English
English
lackadaisical
“lacking enthusiasm or energy; listless”