procrastinate

[ proh-kras-tuh-neyt, pruh- ]

verb (used without object)

, pro·cras·ti·nat·ed, pro·cras·ti·nat·ing.

1. to defer action; delay:

   to procrastinate until an opportunity is lost.

verb (used with object)

, pro·cras·ti·nat·ed, pro·cras·ti·nat·ing.

1. to put off till another day or time; defer; delay.

   Synonyms: postpone, prolong

procrastinate

/ prəʊˈkræstɪˌneɪt; prə- /

verb

1. usually intr to put off or defer (an action) until a later time; delay

Derived Forms

• proˌcrastiˈnation, noun
• proˈcrastiˌnator, noun

Other Words From

• pro·crasti·nating·ly pro·crasti·native·ly adverb
• pro·crasti·nation noun
• pro·crasti·native pro·cras·ti·na·to·ry [proh-, kras, -t, uh, -n, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee, pr, uh, -], adjective
• pro·crasti·native·ness noun
• pro·crasti·nator noun
• over·pro·crasti·nation noun
• unpro·crasti·nated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of procrastinate¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Latin prōcrāstinātus, past participle of prōcrāstināre “to put off until tomorrow,” from prō- pro- ¹ + -crāstināre, derivative of crāstinus “of tomorrow” (from crās “tomorrow” + -tinus, adjective suffix)

Word History and Origins

Origin of procrastinate¹

C16: from Latin prōcrāstināre to postpone until tomorrow, from pro- ¹+ crās tomorrow

Example Sentences

He doesn’t procrastinate — he has a 107-page résumé, he said, because he gets things done — but he’s built a career around understanding those who do.

From Washington Post

We’re all guilty of procrastinating on any errand that doesn’t feel urgent, particularly if it involves a process of suboptimal efficiency.

From Time

Announcing the TC Early Stage Pitch-Off startupsStop procrastinating and jump on this opportunity to double your knowledge and build a stronger startup.

From TechCrunch

Kooper procrastinated, as usual, but now also found it harder to focus when deadlines hit.

From ProPublica

Make your own classic sparkly ball or piñataIf you haven’t packed away your Christmas lights yet, here’s another reason to procrastinate.

From Popular-Science

I used to be a reporter, and there is no better way to procrastinate while writing than research.

From The Daily Beast

Techies know they hold all the cards to the obscure and procrastinate on the grounds of engineering mysteries.

From The Daily Beast

He therefore began in January to procrastinate, and consequently it was not until February that Francis demanded an advance.

From Project Gutenberg

This last reason displeased old Solomon, for it was an encouragement to the birds to procrastinate.

From Project Gutenberg

Since complete purification can thus be only once obtained, he was desirous to procrastinate that ceremony to the last moment.

From Project Gutenberg

And long have the priesthood dreaded, and anxiously have they endeavored to procrastinate, the arrival of this period.

From Project Gutenberg

Drawing nearer, he made out the smouldering log; cowardice prompted him to procrastinate, he crept round behind it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dawdle
• hesitate