Shiftless/ˈʃɪftləs/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation Considered offensive to call someone directly, often seen as a strong insult. It would be rude to publicly describe him as shiftless. Pro Tip 2/3Informal Description Used informally, usually among friends or in a casual setting. My brother's a bit shiftless these days, always playing games. Pro Tip 3/3Subtle Warning Can subtly imply someone has potential but isn't using it. She's smart but rather shiftless; she could do more if she tried.