Meaning of otiose in English

1. Pronunciation

   /ˈoʊdiˌoʊs/

   US accent

   How to pronounce otiose in American English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

   UK accent

   How to pronounce otiose in British English, in context ▾
   Use the controls below to browse different examples of pronunciation.

1. Classifying Adjective

   otiose

   Definitions

   1. serving no useful purpose

   Examples

   • « having no excuse for being »
   • « otiose lines in a play »
   • « advice is wasted words »

   Synonyms

   • worthless
2. 2. producing no result or effect

   Examples

   • « a futile effort »
   • « the therapy was ineffectual »
   • « an otiose undertaking »
   • « an unavailing attempt »

   Synonyms

   • useless
3. 3. disinclined to work or exertion

   Examples

   • « faineant kings under whose rule the country languished »
   • « an indolent hanger-on »
   • « too lazy to wash the dishes »
   • « shiftless idle youth »
   • « slothful employees »
   • « the unemployed are not necessarily work-shy »

   Synonyms

   • idle