Procrastination: meaning, definitions and examples
⏳
procrastination
[prəˌkras.tɪˈneɪ.ʃən ]
Definitions
daily life
The action of delaying or postponing something; putting off tasks or responsibilities.
Synonyms
dawdling, delay, postponement.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| procrastination |
When someone intentionally delays doing something important often because they are avoiding the task.
|
| delay |
When something is made to happen at a later time than originally planned. This can be due to various reasons and is often neutral in tone.
|
| postponement |
When a planned event or action is officially moved to a later time. Typically formal and usually involves scheduling.
|
| dawdling |
When someone moves or acts slowly without urgency, often wasting time. This word is less formal and can refer to physical slowness.
|
Examples of usage
- Her procrastination often leads to a last-minute rush to complete assignments.
- Procrastination can be a result of poor time management skills.
- I need to overcome my procrastination in order to be more productive.
psychology
The act of voluntarily delaying an intended course of action despite expecting to be worse off for the delay.
Synonyms
hesitation, indecision, inertia.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| procrastination |
This word is appropriate when someone is intentionally delaying tasks or decisions, often to avoid discomfort or due to lack of motivation. It has a negative connotation.
|
| hesitation |
Use this word when someone is pausing before doing something, often due to uncertainty or nervousness. It can be neutral or carry slight negativity.
|
| indecision |
This word is suitable when someone is unable to make a decision, often due to doubt or lack of information. It generally has a negative connotation.
|
| inertia |
Inertia is used to describe a state of inactivity or resistance to change, often implying laziness or complacency. It has a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- Procrastination is often linked to issues with self-regulation and impulse control.
- People who struggle with procrastination may benefit from seeking professional help.
- Understanding the root causes of procrastination can help in overcoming it.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Latin 'procrastinatus', meaning 'deferred until tomorrow'.
- It is made up of 'pro' (for) and 'crastinus' (of tomorrow), showing a literal meaning of putting something off.
- The term became popular in the English language during the 16th century, reflecting growing awareness of the habit.
Psychology
- Studies show that people procrastinate due to fear of failure or perfectionism, making it hard to start tasks.
- Emotions like anxiety and stress can trigger procrastination as a way to cope with overwhelming feelings.
- Time inconsistency is a psychological principle where future tasks feel less urgent than present ones, influencing delays.
Cultural References
- Procrastination is frequently depicted in popular culture, often humorously, showcasing the struggle of everyday life.
- Quotes like 'Why do today what you can put off till tomorrow?' highlight the commonality of this behavior across cultures.
- Self-help books on time management often address procrastination, showing its relevance in modern work and life.
Literature
- In many literary works, characters who procrastinate often face greater conflicts, showcasing a moral lesson about time management.
- Famous writers have openly confessed to procrastination, demonstrating it’s a common challenge even among the most productive individuals.
- Classic novels often reflect the theme of procrastination as characters delay important decisions, leading to dramatic outcomes.
Translations
Translations of the word "procrastination" in other languages:
🇵🇹 procrastinação
🇮🇳 टालमटोल
🇩🇪 Prokrastination
🇮🇩 penundaan
🇺🇦 прокрастинація
🇵🇱 prokrastynacja
🇯🇵 先延ばし
🇫🇷 procrastination
🇪🇸 procrastinación
🇹🇷 erteleme
🇰🇷 지연
🇸🇦 مماطلة
🇨🇿 prokrastinace
🇸🇰 prokrastinácia
🇨🇳 拖延症
🇸🇮 prokrastinacija
🇮🇸 frestdráttur
🇰🇿 кейіндіру
🇬🇪 პროკრასტინაცია
🇦🇿 təxirə salma
🇲🇽 procrastinación