Otiosity

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌəʊ.ʃi(ː)ˈɒs.ə.ti/

Definitions

1. The quality of being unproductive stems from an absence of meaningful activity
2. The condition of remaining unengaged in work or activity without purpose or productivity
3. The state characterized by a lack of effort or occupation, resulting in inactivity or uselessness

Etymology: Otiosity is a fairly plain formation: the adjective "otiose" with the suffix "-ity" added. The adjective came into English from Latin "otiosus," meaning "at leisure," and that Latin root "otium" meant leisure or ease. Latin "otiositas" then passed through Middle French "ociosité" before English adopted the noun. The surprising twist lies in the sense of the word. Latin "otium" did not carry the disapproving tone that "idleness" often does; leisure was something Roman writers could prize, and the Latin adjective could describe a calm, unhurried life. English speakers, however, tended to use "otiose" for something that was not merely at rest but pointlessly so. An otiose remark or gesture is one that does nothing, serving no purpose in the situation. The noun "otiosity" therefore names that quality of being idle or superfluous, not just the pleasant state of having time off.