13 Down

NYT Daily ? September 18, 2025

Slothfulness

Answer:

INERTIA

Hint:

Think of the scientific term for an object's resistance to change in motion, which can also describe a lack of energy or action.

Explanation:

"Slothfulness" hints at laziness or resistance to movement, which aligns with the scientific term "inertia"—the tendency of objects to stay at rest unless acted upon. The clue plays on the double meaning: in physics, inertia describes a lack of motion, while in everyday language, it mirrors the sluggishness of a sloth. It’s a straightforward definition with a slight twist, linking a human trait to a physics concept.

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General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints