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Laziness in Irish (Leisce): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘leisce’ also means: reluctance

The Irish for laziness is leisce, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “laziness” in Irish

Irish:
leisce
English:
laziness, reluctance
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine, fourth declension
Pronunciation:
“LESH-kuh”  /ˈlʲɛʃcə/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
leisce, na leisce (e.g. giolla na leisce, lazybones)

What does “leisce” mean?

“Leisce” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

laziness
The quality of not wanting to work or make an effort.Also: sloth, idleness, indolence.
1 other meaning: reluctance
2reluctance
A feeling of not wanting to do something, often from shyness or hesitation.Also: unwillingness, disinclination, hesitation, diffidence.

Other Irish words for laziness: leisciúlacht (laziness), leisceoireacht (idling), falsóireacht (laziness), falsacht (laziness)

“Leisce” with the article

Here is leisce after the article (an t-alt).

an leisce
the laziness
No change after an

“Leisce” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using leisce, the Irish word for laziness.

Tá leisce orm éirí ar maidin.
I don't feel like getting up in the morning.
Bhí leisce air an fhírinne a insint.
He was reluctant to tell the truth.
Ná bíodh leisce ort ceist a chur.
Don't hesitate to ask a question.
Is í an leisce a choinnigh sa bhaile é.
It was laziness that kept him at home.
Is giolla na leisce ceart é mo dheartháir.
My brother is a real lazybones.
Chuir sí an leisce di agus thosaigh sí ag obair.
She shook off her laziness and started working.
Ní raibh aon leisce uirthi labhairt amach.
She had no hesitation in speaking out.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Laziness in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for laziness?

The Irish for laziness is leisce (pronounced “LESH-kuh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean reluctance.

How do you pronounce leisce in Irish?

Leisce is said like “LESH-kuh” (IPA /ˈlʲɛʃcə/).

Does leisce have a plural?

No plural form is given for leisce in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does leisce have more than one meaning?

Yes. Leisce can mean laziness or reluctance, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How do I say I am reluctant or lazy to do something?

Use the idiom 'tá leisce orm' with ar: 'Tá leisce orm dul amach' means 'I don't feel like going out' or 'I'm reluctant to go out'.

What is the adjective from leisce?

The adjective is 'leisciúil' (lazy), and a lazy person is a 'leisceoir'.

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