- To intentionally and habitually delay or postpone tasks that need to be done, especially unpleasant or difficult ones.
Explanation
Origin
- From Latin procrastinatus (pro- forward + crastinus belonging to tomorrow).
- It implies delaying out of aversion, laziness, or feeling overwhelmed, not for strategic reasons.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Faffing around (UK/Aus Wasting time on trivial things)
- Goofing off / Slacking off (Avoiding work/effort)
- Puttering (Doing minor, unimportant tasks)
- Leaving it till the last minute.
Milder/Standard:
- Putting it off.
- Delaying.
- Haven't gotten around to it yet.
Situational Appropriateness
- The word itself is standard English, usable in most contexts.
- Discussing one's own procrastination is usually informal/personal.
- Accusing someone else requires sensitivity to the relationship and setting.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Ensure learners understand it's *intentional* delay of *necessary* tasks, often counter-productively, not just any delay.
Examples
- I always procrastinate when it comes to filing my taxes.
- Stop procrastinating and just start writing your essay!
Dialogue
Leo: Have you started studying for the final exam yet?
Mia: Ugh, no. I keep procrastinating. I just open the book and then find excuses to do something else.
Leo: I know the feeling, but it's worth starting early. Maybe we could study together tomorrow to get motivated?
Mia: That might actually help! Okay, let's try that.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: My brain knows I have a deadline. My brain chooses to research the migratory patterns of arctic terns instead. #procrastinate #sendhelp #focus
- Instagram Story: Current status: Expert level procrastinator. Cleaning my entire apartment instead of working on my presentation. ✨ #procrastination #productivityfail
Response Patterns
- (If admitting) I know, I'm the worst. / Yeah, I really need to stop.
- (If giving advice) Try breaking it down into smaller steps. / Just force yourself to start!
- (If being accused) Defensiveness, agreement, or explanation.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone admits procrastinating:
- Offer empathy (I do that too sometimes.).
- Suggest strategies (Have you tried setting small deadlines?).
- Gently encourage (You'll feel so much better once it's done.).
If accusing someone:
- Be prepared for various reactions. Focus on the task needing completion.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes behavior related to tasks. Could start a conversation *about* procrastination itself.
Intonation
- Stress on the second syllable: pro-CRAS-ti-nate. Stop pro-CRAS-ti-na-ting!
- Tone can be self-critical, frustrated (when talking about oneself), or admonishing (when talking to others).
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and relatable across generations, particularly students and workers.
Regional Variations
- Standard term across English-speaking regions.