1. a person who avoids work or activity; a lazy person
2. a pulley or gear that transmits motion without doing work
Usage: mechanical

Examples

• The teacher called him an idler because he never completed his assignments.
• She refused to support the idler who wouldn’t look for a job.
• The idler pulley helps guide the timing belt in the engine.
• His reputation as an idler made it difficult to find employment.
• The mechanic replaced the worn idler gear in the transmission.
• Don’t be an idler when there’s so much work to be done.