The word "sloth" is a translation of the Latin term acedia and means "without care". Spiritually, acedia first referred to an affliction to women, religious persons, especially monks, wherein they became indifferent to their duties and obligations to God.

What does calling someone a sloth mean?

A sloth is actually a slow-moving, tree-dwelling mammal, but it has become a synonym for "lazybones." Slug also doubles as the name of an animal and a term for someone who is lazy, slow or lethargic. ... In the Catholic Church sloth was categorized as one of the seven deadly sins.

What is sloth as a sin?

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "acedia or sloth goes so far to refuse joy from God and is repelled by goodness." ... Unlike the other capital sins, in which the sinner commits immoral acts, sloth is a sin of omission of desire and/or performance.