Procrastination: meaning, definitions and examples
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procrastination
[ prəˌkras.tɪˈneɪ.ʃən ]
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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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.
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
Etymology
The term 'procrastination' has its roots in the Latin word 'procrastinare,' which means 'to put off until tomorrow.' The concept of procrastination has been studied by philosophers and psychologists for centuries, with some theories suggesting it may be related to fear of failure, perfectionism, or lack of motivation. In today's fast-paced world, procrastination is a common challenge faced by many individuals, leading to stress, missed deadlines, and decreased productivity.
See also: procrastinate, procrastinator.