dilatory
UK: ˈdɪlət(ə)ri | US: ˈdɪləˌtɔri
adj. tending to delay or procrastinate
adj. intended to cause delay
dilatory = dilate<delay> + ory<adjective suffix>
- dilate (from Latin dilatus, past participle of differre "to delay, postpone," from dis- "apart" + ferre "to carry")
- ory (adjective-forming suffix indicating "relating to or characterized by")
Etymology Origin:
The word dilatory traces back to Latin dilatorius, derived from dilatus (a form of differre "to delay"). The root dilate originally meant "to spread out" or "to postpone," reflecting the idea of stretching time. Over time, dilatory evolved in English to describe actions or people prone to causing delays, often with a negative connotation of inefficiency or avoidance.
The committee's dilatory tactics stalled the bill's progress.
She was criticized for her dilatory response to the urgent request.
His dilatory habits made him miss the deadline.
The lawyer used dilatory motions to prolong the trial.
Avoid dilatory behavior if you want to succeed in fast-paced environments.