idle

Idle refers to a state of inaction or underutilization. As an adjective, it describes people not engaged in work or activity, or objects and systems that are not currently in operation. As a noun, idle time or idleness denotes periods when work or activity is not happening. The word derives from Old English idel meaning empty or worthless.

In everyday use, idle can describe a person at leisure, a vehicle whose engine is running without movement, or a machine operating without a productive task. In computing and electronics, idling refers to a power-saving state in which a processor or device consumes minimal resources while not performing tasks. In manufacturing and services, idle capacity or idle time indicates underutilization of labor or equipment.

In economics and management, reducing idle time is a common objective to improve productivity, though some idle periods are intentional for maintenance, rest, or flexibility. Cultural references include the concept of idle games, or incremental games, in which progress occurs with limited active input from the player.

Overall, idle is a broad term used across daily life, technology, industry, and culture to describe moments, states, or conditions when activity is paused or reduced.