procrastination

[ proh-kras-tuh-ney-shuhn, pruh‑ ]

noun

1. the act or habit of procrastinating, or putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention:

   She was smart, but her constant procrastination led her to be late with almost every assignment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of procrastination¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin prōcrāstinātiōn-, stem of prōcrāstinātiō “a putting off until tomorrow,” equivalent to prōcrāstināt(us), past participle of prōcrāstināre “to put off until tomorrow” + -iō -ion ( def ); procrastinate ( def )

Example Sentences

She jokes that procrastination is often her biggest enemy.

From BBC

“We thought it was procrastination to punt it over to a charter commission,” said Plata, whose group argued last year in favor of growing the council to 29 members.

From Los Angeles Times

Like any endeavor that I set my mind to, I gave it my all despite the relentless sarcasm and procrastination of my students.

From Los Angeles Times

Also discussed in post-COVID life is “revenge bedtime procrastination,” in which people put off sleeping and instead scroll on social media or binge a show as a way of trying to handle stress.

From Seattle Times

But nevertheless, I know I still struggle with procrastination, with doubt, all these kinds of things.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• doubt
• equivocation
• hesitancy
• indecision
• misgiving
• mistrust
• pause
• qualm
• reluctance
• skepticism
• unwillingness
• vacillation