shirkers
Those avoiding work
Shirkers are people who avoid work or responsibility, especially by sneaking away or pretending to be busy.
The word carries strong disapproval—shirkers leave others to pick up the slack: The rest of the team resented the shirkers who disappeared whenever heavy lifting was needed.
In military contexts, shirker historically described those who evaded combat duty.
Idle responsibility evader
- loaferLaceless slip-on shoe
- malingererOne feigning sickness
- idlerHabitually unproductive person
- layaboutHabitually idle person
goldbricker · deadbeat · sluggard · dodger · truant · skiver · bludger · dawdler
Act of escaping detection
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
- avoidanceDeliberate keeping away
- neglectFailure to provide care
- procrastinationHabitual task avoidance
loafing · malingering · ducking · sidestepping · feigning · faking · excuses · absenteeism
Avoiding effort or exertion
- irresponsibleLacking sense of duty
- unreliableNot consistently performing
- undependableNot consistently trustworthy
- neglectfulFailing to care properly
apathetic · indolent · unmotivated · unambitious · careless · slack · idle · lethargic
One exploiting others' generosity
- delegatorOne who assigns tasks
- passengerTraveler, not operator
- slackerIdle responsibility evader
- clock-watcherOne awaiting shift's end
underperformer · deadwood · benchwarmer · noncontributor · burden · liability · skipper · absentee
slacker
Idle responsibility evader
- loaferLaceless slip-on shoe
- malingererOne feigning sickness
- idlerHabitually unproductive person
layabout · goldbricker · deadbeat · sluggard · dodger · truant · skiver · bludger · dawdler · slouch
evasion
Act of escaping detection
procrastination · loafing · malingering · ducking · sidestepping · feigning · faking · excuses · absenteeism · foot-dragging
lazy
Avoiding effort or exertion
- irresponsibleLacking sense of duty
- unreliableNot consistently performing
- undependableNot consistently trustworthy
neglectful · apathetic · indolent · unmotivated · unambitious · careless · slack · idle · lethargic · workshy
freeloader
One exploiting others' generosity
clock-watcher · underperformer · deadwood · benchwarmer · noncontributor · burden · liability · skipper · absentee · no-show
shirkerstoilers
People who work strenuously
grafters · go-getters · hustlers · dynamos · strivers
shirkerscontributors
Those who give help
team players · dependables · stalwarts · pillars · doers