procrastinate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "procrastinate" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to someone who is intentionally delaying or postponing something. Example Sentence: Allie tends to procrastinate when it comes to starting her project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If you like this, check out How to pick your life partner, Why procrastinators procrastinate, and 11 Awkward things about email.

Independent

Temping can be pretty boring, especially when work is in short supply, but you must resist the urge to procrastinate!

The Guardian

Confirming the latest extension, federal officials urged buyers not to procrastinate.

The Guardian

He said: "As we sit here in these negotiations, even as we vacillate and procrastinate here, the death toll is rising.

The Guardian

Decluttering makes you feel like bathtime did when you were a kid: at best you procrastinate and at worst you put up a fight, but as soon as you do it you think, "That was fun: now I feel clean and can sleep.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

FocusBooster for those of us who procrastinate.

The Guardian

Whether low prices help to galvanise reform or simply make it easier for governments to procrastinate still remains up in the air.

The Economist

If the FARC procrastinate, Mr Santos may be forced to walk away from the talks.

The Economist

In Denmark nudgers reckon that requiring members of the public to make a decision on whether to donate when applying for a driving licence, say will forcibly overcome an inclination to procrastinate over unpleasant choices.

The Economist

It's easy to procrastinate, to say "I'll get around to it".

The Economist

Drawing on the behavioural literature that found workers procrastinate on retirement planning, Ms. Madrian and Mr. Shea speculated that if workers avoid participation because it involves effort, then having to explicitly opt out should increase it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To combat "procrastinate", break down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes the overall goal less daunting and easier to start.

Common error

Avoid mistaking strategic prioritization for procrastination. Procrastination involves delaying tasks despite knowing they are important, while prioritization involves consciously choosing to focus on higher-impact activities first.

Linguistic Context

The verb "procrastinate" functions primarily to describe the action of delaying or postponing tasks or decisions. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It often implies a voluntary delay, sometimes due to aversion or difficulty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academic sources

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "procrastinate" is a commonly used verb that describes the act of intentionally delaying or postponing tasks. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, and formal business settings, with a neutral formality level. To avoid procrastination, break down tasks into smaller steps and be aware of mistaking prioritization for delay. Related terms include "delay action", "postpone tasks", and "put things off". Understanding its function and context can enhance effective communication and time management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delay action

Focuses on the act of delaying rather than the inclination.

postpone tasks

Specifically refers to delaying tasks, implying a planned activity.

put things off

A more informal way of saying postpone.

defer commitment

Suggests delaying a decision or pledge.

stall for time

Implies delaying to gain an advantage or avoid something.

dawdle over duties

Highlights slow and inefficient progress.

shilly-shally on responsibilities

Emphasizes indecision and hesitation in handling responsibilities.

take one's time

Suggests a leisurely approach, often implying a lack of urgency.

be dilatory in one's actions

A formal way of describing a habitual tendency to delay.

drag one's feet

Suggests reluctance and a deliberate slowing down of progress.

FAQs

How can I use "procrastinate" in a sentence?

You can use "procrastinate" to describe the act of delaying or postponing something. For example, "I tend to "procrastinate" when faced with difficult tasks".

What are some alternatives to saying "procrastinate"?

Alternatives to "procrastinate" include "delay", "postpone", or "put off". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "procrastinate" and "delay"?

"Procrastinate" typically implies a voluntary and often habitual delay, while "delay" can be due to external circumstances or a conscious decision to postpone. You might "procrastinate" on a project, or a flight might be "delayed" due to weather.

Why do people "procrastinate"?

People "procrastinate" for various reasons, including fear of failure, lack of motivation, or difficulty managing time. Understanding the underlying cause can help in overcoming the tendency to "procrastinate".