Dragging: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to something causing a delay or slowing down a process.

• The project was dragging because of the poor planning
• The meeting dragged on for hours

Used when something is being moved towards oneself or in a specific direction with force.

• He pulled the door open with difficulty
• She pulled the cart behind her as she walked

Used when something heavy or large is being moved with considerable effort, usually over a distance.

• They had to haul the furniture up to the second floor
• The workers hauled the debris away after the storm

Used when one vehicle moves another vehicle or object, usually with the help of a rope or chain.

• The car broke down, and a truck came to tow it to the nearest garage
• They had to tow the boat back to shore

Used when something follows behind another thing, often hanging loosely or dragging on the ground.

• Her dress trailed on the floor as she walked
• The child trailed behind his parents, lost in thought

Dragging is usually used when you are pulling something heavy or difficult to move across the ground. It often implies effort and slower movement.

• She was dragging the suitcase across the floor
• The kids were dragging the sled up the hill

Move is a general term that can be used in any context where something is being relocated or changed position without specifying how it’s done.

• Please move the chair closer to the table
• We need to move the boxes to the attic

Slide is used when something moves smoothly over a surface. It often implies less effort and more fluid motion compared to 'drag' or 'shift.'

• She slid the book across the table
• The kids love to slide down the hill on their sleds

Shift is used for small or slight changes in position or alignment. It often implies a quick, less forceful movement compared to 'move' or 'drag.'

• Can you shift your car a little to the left? He shifted in his seat to get more comfortable

Reposition is used when something needs to be placed in a new position, often implying careful or deliberate placement.

• Please reposition the microphone, so we can hear you better
• The decorator had to reposition the furniture to create more space

Used when something is taking a long time and is dull or tedious.

• The meeting was dragging, and everyone seemed bored
• The movie felt like it was dragging, and I kept checking my watch

Used for tasks or jobs, typically household ones, that are boring or routine. Can be used negatively when the task is undesirable.

• Doing the laundry is such a chore
• He hates the chore of cleaning the bathroom every week

Employed when referring to something that causes stress, difficulty, or responsibility and often has a negative connotation.

• Caring for her sick parents was a heavy burden on her
• The financial burden of the loan was too much for him to handle

This word is often used informally to describe something or someone that is particularly troublesome or annoying. Can have a negative connotation.

• Dealing with the broken printer was a real pain
• His constant complaints were becoming a pain

This term describes something or someone causing minor annoyance or inconvenience.

• The neighbor's dog barking at night was a nuisance
• His constant humming was a real nuisance