stalling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'stalling' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used as a verb meaning to delay or procrastinate. Example: The politician was accused of stalling on making important decisions, causing frustration among voters.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My reading year has been full of false starts and stalling so I was thankful to Patrick Ness for More Than This (Walker).

The Guardian - Books

The opposition leader Bill Shorten, the bill's other co-sponsor, agreed that the matter should be a bipartisan one, but said that Labor had sparked momentum on reforms that were stalling under the Coalition.

The Guardian

He accuses politicians and local administrators of "regularising environmental violations by builders", and of stalling the release of a contour map that would demarcate high-tide zones where construction would be hazardous.

The Guardian

Empire continues a musical-drama revival that had looked to be stalling thanks to the natural end of Glee and the messy self-immolation of Smash.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

At a time when the Eurozone is stalling we cannot duck such an opportunity for growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

Rutte warned: "The problems are serious, the economy is stalling, employment is under pressure and government debt is growing faster than the Netherlands can afford.

The Guardian - Business

The White House slammed Senate leaders on Friday for stalling on the USA Freedom Act in perhaps the Obama administration's strongest words yet on the issue.

The Guardian

Anxiety is unbearably efficient at stalling our engines of self-worth, planting worries about a failed year well before its bloom.

The Guardian - Opinion

If income and job growth do not pick up soon, populist parties may come closer to power at the national level in Europe, with anti-EU sentiments stalling the process of European economic and political integration.

The Guardian - Business

The city has done well to update its flood maps and raise the minimum construction elevation for new buildings by 1.1 metres, but the scheme is in its infancy and still at risk of stalling.

The Guardian

Costa Rica's divided congress is stalling on new taxes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stalling", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being delayed or hindered. Be specific about the subject experiencing the stall.

Common error

Avoid attributing "stalling" solely to intentional actions. Sometimes, external factors or unforeseen circumstances can also cause a process to stall.

Linguistic Context

The term "stalling" primarily functions as a verb, often in its gerund form, describing the act of delaying or hindering progress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to indicate a process or action that is not moving forward efficiently. Examples show it applied to economies, political processes, and even personal endeavors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

26%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stalling" is a versatile term, primarily functioning as a verb, to describe the act of delaying or hindering progress. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across diverse contexts, from political processes to economic trends. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication, though most commonly observed in news and media outlets. When using "stalling", clarity is crucial, and the context should clearly indicate what is being delayed or impeded. While "stalling" is usually intentional, remember external factors or unforeseen circumstances can also cause processes to halt.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delaying tactics

Focuses specifically on the use of tactics to cause a delay.

procrastinating

Emphasizes the act of postponing or delaying action.

obstructing progress

Highlights the act of hindering or blocking advancement.

hindering advancement

Similar to obstructing progress, but with a slightly different emphasis.

impeding development

Focuses on slowing down or preventing growth or development.

putting off

A more informal way of saying delaying or postponing.

dragging heels

Idiomatic expression for delaying intentionally.

marking time

Suggests a lack of real progress or activity.

ceasing momentum

Focuses on the loss of forward motion or drive.

at a standstill

Highlights a complete stop in activity or progress.

FAQs

How can I use "stalling" in a sentence?

You can use "stalling" to describe delaying tactics, like: "The politician was accused of "stalling" the vote on the bill."

What are some alternatives to the word "stalling"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "stalling" include "delaying", "obstructing", or "procrastinating".

What does it mean when something is "stalling"?

When something is "stalling", it means it is slowing down, stopping, or being delayed, either intentionally or unintentionally. The cause of the "stalling" could range from technical difficulties to strategic choices.

Is "stalling" a formal or informal term?

"Stalling" is generally considered a neutral term and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends on the specific situation and audience.