Procrastinate: meaning, definitions and examples

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procrastinate

 

[ prəˈkrastɪˌneɪt ]

Verb
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.

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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

Translations of the word "procrastinate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 procrastinar

🇮🇳 टालमटोल करना

🇩🇪 aufschieben

🇮🇩 menunda

🇺🇦 відкладати

🇵🇱 odkładać

🇯🇵 先延ばしにする

🇫🇷 procrastiner

🇪🇸 procrastinar

🇹🇷 erteleme

🇰🇷 미루다

🇸🇦 التسويف

🇨🇿 odkládat

🇸🇰 odkladať

🇨🇳 拖延

🇸🇮 odlašati

🇮🇸 freista

🇰🇿 кейінге қалдыру

🇬🇪 გადავადება

🇦🇿 təxirə salmaq

🇲🇽 procrastinar

Etymology

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.