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

/ prə-; prəʊˈkræstɪˌneɪt /

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

I left late because I was procrastinating, and then, thanks to L.A. traffic, got there at 5:45 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times

Am I just procrastinating here in making a prediction?

From Los Angeles Times

The Trump-appointed judge has been criticized for indulging nearly every request Trump's lawyers have made, no matter how far-fetched, and procrastinating on decisions for months.

From Salon

Financial stress during tax season can manifest in different ways, whether that’s procrastinating on your tax return until the last minute or experiencing intense stress about filing incorrectly.

From Seattle Times

But I do know I procrastinate and hold onto things which are left over from how I was for 30 years.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dawdle
• hesitate