shiftless
Without drive or purpose
Shiftless describes someone lacking ambition, initiative, or resourcefulness—unwilling to work or better their situation.
The word carries moral judgment, suggesting not just unemployment but a fundamental laziness of character: a shiftless drifter, her shiftless brother who never held a job.
The shift in shiftless is an old sense meaning expedient or means of getting by.
Habitually avoiding exertion
- slothfulHabitually avoiding exertion
- idleWithout activity or purpose
- unmotivatedLacking incentive or drive
- lackadaisicalLacking enthusiasm or determination
apathetic · loafing · do-nothing · workshy · layabout · sluggard · ne'er-do-well · good-for-nothing
Aimless, rootless traveler
- vagabondHomeless, aimless wanderer
- hoboItinerant without fixed address
- trampWandering homeless person
- bumIdle vagrant
transient · itinerant · derelict · wastrel · loafer · idler · deadbeat · down-and-out
Without aim or guidance
- purposelessLacking aim or intention
- driftingMoving without purpose
- adriftFloating without control
- unfocusedWithout clear direction
unmoored · rudderless · goalless · rootless · unanchored · wandering · meandering · unsettled
indolent
Habitually avoiding exertion
- slothfulHabitually avoiding exertion
- idleWithout activity or purpose
- unmotivatedLacking incentive or drive
lackadaisical · apathetic · loafing · do-nothing · workshy · layabout · sluggard · ne'er-do-well · good-for-nothing · unambitious
drifter
Aimless, rootless traveler
bum · transient · itinerant · derelict · wastrel · loafer · idler · deadbeat · down-and-out · panhandler
directionless
Without aim or guidance
- purposelessLacking aim or intention
- driftingMoving without purpose
- adriftFloating without control
unfocused · unmoored · rudderless · goalless · rootless · unanchored · wandering · meandering · unsettled · floating
shiftlessindustrious
Devoted to steady effort
hardworking · diligent · assiduous · sedulous · tireless
shiftlessambitious
Strongly desiring achievement
enterprising · driven · aspiring · motivated · purposeful