WordValeprocrastinate
to delay or postpone action
In more detail
to delay or postpone something that you should do, usually because you are anxious about it or want to do something more enjoyable instead
Examples
- I procrastinated on writing my essay until the night before the deadline.
- Stop procrastinating and start your homework now.
How to use procrastinate
Procrastinate specifically implies avoiding a task due to anxiety, lack of motivation, or preference for other activities, rather than simply scheduling something for later. It carries a negative connotation suggesting a personal weakness or lack of discipline. Unlike neutral terms like 'postpone' or 'delay', procrastination suggests the postponement is unnecessary or self-imposed.
Common phrases
- procrastinate on homework
- procrastinate about making a decision
- tend to procrastinate
- chronic procrastinator
- procrastinate until the last minute
Synonyms
delay · postpone · put off · defer · stall
Opposites
expedite · hasten · rush
Word family
procrastination (noun) · procrastinator (noun) · procrastinatory (adjective)
A common mistake
Learners often use procrastinate without an object or preposition; the word typically requires 'on', 'about', or 'over' before the task being delayed (procrastinate on the project, not procrastinate the project).
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