Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Shiftless \Shift"less\, a.
   Destitute of expedients, or not using successful expedients;
   characterized by failure, especially by failure to provide
   for one's own support, through negligence or incapacity;
   hence, lazy; improvident; thriftless; as, a shiftless fellow;
   shiftless management. -- {Shift"less*ly}, adv. --
   {Shift"less*ness}, n.

Source : WordNet®

shiftlessness
     n : a failure to be active as a consequence of lack of
         initiative or ambition