Definitions

goof off

[goof-awf, -of] / ˈgufˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

Part of Speech:

All (2) Verb (1) Noun (1)

Jump To:

VERB

avoid work

Synonyms

WEAK

bum around coast diddle dog it doodle drag one's feet featherbed fiddle around fluff off fool around hang around hang out horse around lollygag mess around monkey around putz around screw off shirk slack take it easy

NOUN

inactive person

Synonyms

STRONG

couch potato do-nothing fainéant layabout lazybones loafer malingerer quitter shirker slacker

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

goof off

Assigning in-class lessons on devices invites kids to rush through them so they can goof off.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 13, 2026

“She definitely didn’t let me goof off too much.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2026

Seeing people laugh or goof off just made her sad.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 31, 2024

For me, I felt like I needed to schedule time to goof off.

From Salon ● May 4, 2023

“Yes, ma’am. Got promoted last week. They messed up, letting me and Marlon goof off out here.”

From "The Manifestor Prophecy" by Angie Thomas