Procrastinating - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

time management

Procrastinating refers to the act of delaying or postponing tasks or actions. It often occurs when individuals feel overwhelmed or uncertain about how to begin a task. Procrastination can lead to increased stress and diminish the quality of work as deadlines approach. This behavior can stem from a variety of factors, including fear of failure, perfectionism, or even a lack of motivation. Overcoming procrastination often requires strategies such as setting clear goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and creating a structured schedule.

Synonyms

dawdle, defer, delay, postpone, stall.

Examples of usage

I kept procrastinating my study schedule until the last minute.
He was procrastinating on his project, falling deeper into a cycle of avoidance.
Everyone procrastinates sometimes, but it’s essential to find ways to stay productive.
She realized that her procrastinating habit was affecting her grades.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Research shows that procrastination can be linked to perfectionism—fear of not meeting high standards leads to delay.
It often stems from a desire to avoid negative emotions related to the task, like boredom or anxiety.
Studies suggest that people who procrastinate often struggle with self-regulation and time management skills.

Pop Culture

Several movies portray procrastination humorously, such as 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' capturing the joy of skipping responsibilities.
In literature, characters like Hamlet often exemplify procrastination, deepening their dilemmas and conflicts.
Various online memes humorously depict procrastination, resonating with many people who struggle with it.

Science

Research indicates that chronic procrastinators might experience higher levels of stress and lower overall health.
Neuroscientific studies suggest that procrastination can alter brain activity, particularly in areas related to emotion regulation.
Some scientists are exploring how certain brain functions lead to intentional delays in decision-making.

Literature

Procrastination appears in many literary works, with themes around the tension between action and inaction.
Famous authors like Victor Hugo and Mark Twain recognized their own tendencies to procrastinate, influencing their work habits.
Timely resolutions and dilemmas presented through characters often serve as reflections on the consequences of delaying tasks.

Origin of 'procrastinating'

Main points about word origin

The word originates from the Latin 'procrastinatus', meaning 'put off until tomorrow'.
It combines 'pro', meaning 'for' or 'in favor of', and 'crastinus', meaning 'of tomorrow'.
The term has been in use since the 16th century, emphasizing the age-old struggle with delay.

The word 'procrastinate' originated from the Latin verb 'procrastinare', which translates to 'put off until tomorrow'. The prefix 'pro-' means 'forward', and 'cras' means 'tomorrow'. This etymology reflects the essence of procrastination as a phenomenon of delaying tasks intended for the future. The word made its way into Middle English in the late 16th century and has been used in various contexts since then, usually in connection with time management and the human tendency to avoid difficult or less desirable tasks. As society has evolved and the pace of life has increased, the concept of procrastination has gained more attention, particularly in the realms of psychology, productivity, and self-help literature. It has become a common topic among students, workers, and anyone facing a long list of responsibilities.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,512 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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34509 expectorated
34510 reprimanding
34511 pix
34512 procrastinating
34513 despoiling
34514 rangy
34515 bicyclist
...

Procrastinating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations