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Procrastinate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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procrastinate

[prəˈkrastɪˌneɪt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

avoiding tasks

To procrastinate means to delay or postpone doing something that needs to be done, usually out of laziness or indecision. It is the act of avoiding tasks or responsibilities by putting them off until a later time.

Synonyms

delay, postpone, put off.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
procrastinate

Used when someone intentionally puts off doing something, usually due to laziness or avoidance. Often has a negative connotation.

  • She tends to procrastinate when it comes to writing reports.
  • Instead of studying for exams, he procrastinated by watching TV.
delay

Used when something is hindered or postponed, often due to external circumstances. Can be neutral or negative depending on the situation.

  • The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
  • There was a delay in the delivery of the package.
postpone

Used when an event or action is rescheduled to a later time, often with a neutral or strategic connotation.

  • They decided to postpone the meeting until next week.
  • Due to unforeseen circumstances, the concert has been postponed.
put off

A more casual or informal way of saying that something is being delayed or postponed, often used in everyday conversation.

  • Let's put off the trip until we have more money.
  • He keeps putting off cleaning the garage.

Examples of usage

  • I always procrastinate when it comes to doing my homework.
  • She tends to procrastinate on making important decisions.
  • If you continue to procrastinate, you will never reach your goals.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research indicates that procrastination can be linked to issues like fear of failure, perfectionism, or low self-esteem.
  • Studies show that people who procrastinate often experience higher levels of stress and lower well-being.
  • Interestingly, while procrastinators may think they're saving time, they can often end up taking longer to complete tasks due to stress and last-minute rush.

Pop Culture

  • 'Procrastination' has been humorously depicted in movies and cartoons, often showing characters avoiding responsibilities to pursue distractions.
  • The internet has given rise to memes and jokes about procrastination, making it a relatable topic for many.
  • Books and self-help resources frequently tackle procrastination as a common hurdle in achieving personal goals.

Education

  • Procrastination is a common challenge among students, affecting their grades and overall learning experience.
  • Educational psychologists suggest techniques like breaking tasks into smaller parts to combat procrastination.
  • Time management skills are often taught to help students minimize the habit of procrastination.

Technology

  • Many productivity apps now include features designed to combat procrastination, such as timers and to-do lists.
  • The rise of social media has been identified as a significant factor in the increase of procrastination behaviors.
  • Gamification in apps encourages users to stay on task by turning tasks into a game-like experience.

Origin of 'procrastinate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'procrastinare,' which means 'to put off until tomorrow.'
  • It is formed from 'pro-' meaning 'for' and 'crastinus' meaning 'of tomorrow.'
  • The term has been in use since the early 16th century, illustrating a long-standing human tendency to delay tasks.

The word 'procrastinate' originated from the Latin word 'procrastinare', which means 'to put off until tomorrow'. The concept of procrastination has been around for centuries, with people often struggling to overcome the tendency to delay tasks. Procrastination can be a result of various factors such as fear of failure, lack of motivation, or poor time management skills.

See also: procrastination, procrastinator.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,270 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.