dawdling

USAGE SUMMARY

"dawdling" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is wasting time or being slow to act. Example: "Stop dawdling and finish your homework." Alternative expressions include "lingering," "procrastinating," and "dilly-dallying."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was late, in the 'Dresden Barracks' as they called it; we had finished our duties and rehearsals, I was dawdling and last to leave, and there was a piano on a stage.

The Guardian - Music

People have been pleasingly eager to buy smartphones and to clock up data charges by playing games, watching videos and dawdling on social networks, as well as to make calls and send text messages.

The Economist

Greater flexibility has come with fuel injectors, which can metre fuel more precisely than carburettors, and variable-valve control, which can optimise the opening and closing of inlet and exhaust valves to produce more power when accelerating or greater economy when dawdling around town.

The Economist

After decades of dawdling and delay, it seems America may finally be coming to grips with the health system's runaway costs.

The Economist

But whereas import contracts for virtually everything but food and drugs had previously to be vetted by a dawdling sanctions committee, the onus of blocking "dual use" items is now placed on independent UN agencies.Anything that is not on a Goods Review List should now, in theory, be passed automatically within ten days.

The Economist

The time saving for those with checked-in baggage will be all but irrelevant: they will still end up dawdling at the luggage carousel.

The Economist

The state-controlled firm also said priority in output from the field would be given to European pipeline deliveries over LNG shipments, a snub to America for dawdling over Russia's accession to the World Trade Organisation.RUSAL took the wraps off its much-trailed plan to merge with SUAL, its Russian compatriot, and take over the aluminium assets of Glencore, a Swiss commodities group.

The Economist

A scramble Rocketman Ishihara's waiting game Land and freedom How not to rescue hostages Reprints Related items India: RocketmanJun 13th 2002Politics encourages dawdling.

The Economist

By dawdling, it received less.

The Economist

But dawdling incurs its own costs.

The Economist

Admittedly, it was a dank afternoon with heavy rain and dawdling trucks clogging up the A-roads of mid-Wales, but it's not like I was trying to go literally over the top of the Brecon Beacons.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dawdling" when you want to convey a sense of slow, aimless movement or delay, especially when someone should be moving faster or working more efficiently.

Common error

Don't use "dawdling" to describe a planned break or a deliberate pause for reflection. "Dawdling" carries a negative connotation of wasting time, so it's inappropriate in contexts where the slowness is intentional and beneficial.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "dawdling" is typically as a present participle or gerund form of the verb "dawdle". It functions as a verb when used in continuous tenses (e.g., "He was dawdling"). As Ludwig AI states, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dawdling" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term, primarily found in news and media contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's used to describe the act of moving slowly or wasting time, often with a negative connotation. While versatile, it is important to consider the context and formality of the situation to ensure appropriate usage. Alternatives such as "lingering", "procrastinating", and "dilly-dallying" can be used to convey similar meanings with slightly different nuances. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lingering

Similar meaning; emphasizes staying longer than necessary.

procrastinating

Focuses on delaying or postponing tasks.

dilly-dallying

Informal; suggests frivolous or aimless delay.

loitering

Implies standing or waiting around without a clear purpose.

dragging one's feet

Idiomatic; suggests reluctance and slow progress.

tarrying

Formal; means delaying or remaining in a place.

shilly-shallying

Indecisive and hesitant behavior, leading to delay.

taking one's time

Focuses on not rushing; can be neutral or negative.

poking along

Informal; describes slow and unhurried movement.

lagging behind

Indicates falling behind due to slow pace.

FAQs

How can I use "dawdling" in a sentence?

You can use "dawdling" to describe someone who is moving slowly or wasting time when they should be doing something else. For example: "Stop dawdling and finish your homework."

What's the difference between "dawdling" and "lingering"?

"Dawdling" implies a lack of purpose or a waste of time, while "lingering" suggests staying longer than necessary, often with a pleasant or nostalgic connotation.

What are some alternatives to saying "dawdling"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "procrastinating", "dilly-dallying", or "loitering".

Is "dawdling" formal or informal?

"Dawdling" is generally considered to be neutral in tone, suitable for both informal and moderately formal contexts. However, it's best to avoid it in very formal or professional settings where more precise language might be preferred.