dawdler

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'dawdler' is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to someone who moves or acts slowly, often wasting time. Example: The teacher scolded the dawdler in the back of the classroom, telling them to pay attention and stop wasting time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Berlitz can also group learners with a specific need: tourists, say, or energy executives.The company is a bit of a digital dawdler.

The Economist

She's a great dawdler.

The New Yorker

For all his accomplishments, Jeter is also a classic out-of-the-batter's-box dawdler.

The New York Times - Sports

In "Russian Seasons," classical ballet postures dissolve into yogalike shoulder stands; the people onstage often seem surprised or on the edge of self-discovery, covering their mouths or yanking a dawdler offstage.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm just as reluctant to be robbed by a fast thief as by a dawdler.

The New York Times - Magazine

But whether you're Sid Speedy or Deirdre Dawdler, the research raises several points.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Solicitors currently earn an hourly rate; from next month the government will instead pay a flat fee per case, rewarding those who work quickly and penalising dawdlers.

The Economist

Tim drives down motorways at the speed of a V2 rocket, beeping dawdlers and deploying the middle finger for anyone who hogs the middle lane.

Independent

While shows by the late Pina Bausch (Sadler's Wells, London ****) always sell out quickly, there was no hope for dawdlers in the case of Vollmond, a piece featured prominently in Pina, Wim Wenders's 2011 film.

Independent

Dawdlers are chided by a message that reads, "Time's up! Try not to think so much in this round.

The New Yorker

Metro, 4/15: Courts in Slow Motion, Aided by the Defense The grand exhibition hall of dawdlers that is the Bronx courthouse features procrastinating prosecutors, sluggish jailers and unhurried judges.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's general character, "dawdler" is appropriate. However, for specific situations, consider more descriptive synonyms like "procrastinator" or "lingerer" to convey nuance.

Common error

Avoid using "dawdler" in formal or professional writing, as it can sound overly casual or dismissive. Opt for more professional alternatives like "inefficient worker" or "slow performer" in business settings.

Linguistic Context

The noun "dawdler" functions as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to a person who moves slowly or wastes time. Ludwig examples show its use in describing individuals with a tendency to be slow, as also stated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dawdler" is a grammatically sound noun used to describe someone who is slow or wastes time. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, its usage is primarily found in news and media contexts with a neutral to informal tone. When using "dawdler", consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives in professional settings. The examples found by Ludwig illustrate its descriptive function, and related phrases offer nuanced options for conveying slowness or idleness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slowpoke

Refers directly to someone who is slow, especially in movement or action.

laggard

Implies someone who falls behind or makes slow progress compared to others.

loafer

Suggests someone who avoids work or spends time idly.

idler

Highlights a person who is not active or engaged in any purposeful activity.

sluggard

Denotes someone who is habitually lazy and slow.

procrastinator

Specifies someone who delays or postpones tasks.

snail

Uses a metaphorical comparison to emphasize extreme slowness.

lingerer

Describes someone who stays longer than necessary in a place or activity.

slowcoach

An informal term for someone who is slow and inefficient.

drag

Indicates someone or something that slows down progress or enjoyment.

FAQs

How can I use "dawdler" in a sentence?

You can use "dawdler" to describe someone who is slow or wastes time, such as: "The teacher told the "dawdler" to pick up the pace" or "He was known as a "dawdler" because he always took his time to complete tasks".

What are some synonyms for "dawdler"?

Synonyms for "dawdler" include "slowpoke", "laggard", "loafer", and "idler". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call someone a "dawdler" in a professional setting?

While grammatically correct, calling someone a "dawdler" in a professional setting might be perceived as rude or unprofessional. Consider using more neutral or constructive language, such as pointing out specific areas for improvement in efficiency or time management.

What is the difference between "dawdler" and "procrastinator"?

"Dawdler" refers to someone who is generally slow or idle, while "procrastinator" specifically describes someone who delays or postpones tasks. A "dawdler" might be slow at everything, while a "procrastinator" actively puts off certain responsibilities.