idle
//ˈaɪ.dəl//
Adjective
idleCanonical form
idlerComparative
idlestSuperlative
1
Not working or active; unemployed or doing nothing.
The machines have been idle for weeks.
2
Without purpose or effect; pointless or futile.
It's idle to worry about things you cannot change.
3
(of a machine or engine) Not being used or running at minimum power.
The car's engine was idle while we waited at the traffic light.
Verb
idleInfinitive
idlePresent tense
idledPast tense
idledPast participle
idlingPresent participle
idlesThird-person singular
1
To spend time doing nothing; to be inactive.
He idled away the afternoon watching TV.
2
(of an engine) To run slowly while disconnected from a load or out of gear.
The car's engine idled quietly while we waited at the traffic light.
Noun
1
The state of an engine running without doing useful work.
The car's engine was running at idle while waiting at the traffic light.