Dawdler: meaning, definitions and examples

This word often describes someone who moves slowly or wastes time, especially when they should be doing something important.

• Jake is such a dawdler; we missed the bus because he took too long to get ready

Used to describe someone who avoids work and prefers leisure activities, often with a slightly more relaxed or casual connotation.

• On weekends, Tom is a loafer who spends his days lounging on the couch

A strongly negative term for someone who is very lazy and slow, often used with some disdain or criticism.

• The coach called him a sluggard for failing to keep up with the training exercises

This term implies a person who does not work or does not do anything useful, typically out of laziness.

• The manager dislikes idlers who just sit around and chat instead of working

Use when referring to someone who moves slowly or takes too long to complete tasks.

• He's such a dawdler in the morning; he always makes us late.
• Stop being a dawdler and finish your homework.

Best suited for someone who habitually postpones or delays tasks, often leading to stress or problems.

• He's the ultimate procrastinator, always waiting until the night before due dates.
• Procrastinators often struggle with time management.

Primarily used to describe someone who wastes time, resources, or opportunities. Can be somewhat negative.

• He's known as a time-waster at work, always chatting instead of working.
• Don't be a waster of your talents; use them wisely.

Usually applied in situations involving postponing or delaying decisions or actions, often intentionally.

• The project was stalled because the key stakeholder is a delayer.
• She's a delayer when it comes to making important life decisions.