Definitions

goof off

[goof-awf, -of] / ˈgufˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

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.

“I left Paris thinking I’m going to goof off now,” Conlon explained, having for seven of his nine Paris years retained his positions in Cologne, shuttling between two exceptionally demanding jobs.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 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

Some of the best stories are not tied to the dramatic action but the dalliances, the self-contained exploits that often provide opportunities for the characters to goof off or slip into more existential meditations.

From New York Times • Nov. 23, 2021

I was still supposed to keep up on my schoolwork, though, so it’s not like I totally got to goof off.

From "Auggie & Me" by R. J. Palacio

goof off

Example Sentences

Related Words