shiftless Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite lacking or characterized by lack of ambition or initiative; lazy
    • a shiftless student
    • studied in a shiftless way

WordNet


Shift"less adjective
Definitions
  1. Destitute of expedients, or not using successful expedients; characterized by failure, especially by failure to provide for one's own support, through negligence or incapacity; hence, lazy; improvident; thriftless; as, a shiftless fellow; shiftless management. -- Shift"less*ly, adv. -- Shift"less*ness, n.

Webster 1913