Footled

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. To engage in trivial or foolish conduct, often wasting time through actions that lack any real significance or seriousness
2. Behaved in a way that is aimless and unproductive, wasting time on insignificant tasks
3. Performed duties or activities carelessly or without serious intent, resulting in little or no meaningful outcome

Etymology: "Footled" is the past tense and participle of "footle," a verb meaning to waste time on trifles or to bungle through small, pointless tasks. The verb is probably a playful derivative of "fool," with the "-le" ending that English uses in frequentative verbs, those expressing repeated or fidgety action, as in "dabble" and "twinkle." The exact route is uncertain, so the word's age and first recorded use are best checked in a dictionary of American slang and informal English, where it is most at home.

Synonyms: foolish, silly

Antonyms: serious, sensible