shiftless
UK: ˈʃɪftləs | US: ˈʃɪftləs
adj. lacking ambition or initiative; lazy
adj. inefficient or ineffective
The word "shiftless" combines "shift" (from Old English sciftan, meaning "to arrange" or "to move") and the suffix "-less" (Old English -lēas, meaning "without"). Originally, "shift" implied resourcefulness or the ability to adapt, but by the 16th century, "shiftless" emerged to describe someone incapable of such effort—highlighting a lack of industriousness. The term reflects societal values linking mobility (literal or metaphorical) to productivity.
His shiftless attitude made him unpopular at work.
The shiftless student avoided studying until the last minute.
She grew tired of her partner’s shiftless habits.
The town’s economy suffered due to shiftless management.
Critics accused the government of being shiftless in addressing the crisis.