dawdles
Takes one's time
Dawdles means moves slowly or wastes time instead of getting on with things.
Someone who dawdles lingers over tasks, takes unnecessary detours, or simply delays: Stop dawdling and get dressed—we're going to be late.
The word often carries mild reproach, suggesting the slowness is willful rather than unavoidable.
Remains beyond expected time
- loitersRemains idly in place
- amblesWalks in no rush
- meandersWinds without purpose
- sauntersWalks in unhurried manner
strolls · idles · moseying · unhurried · takes time · putters · potters · dilly-dallies
Pauses before proceeding
- stallsDelays or compartments
- hesitatesShows momentary indecision
- postponesReschedules for later
- wastes timeSpends moments unproductively
puts off · dithers · procrastinates · lags · falls behind · deadline · avoids · distracted
Child learning to walk
- getting dressedPutting garments on
- morning routineDaily start-of-day habits
- homeworkStudent assignments for outside class
- bedtimeDesignated hour for retiring
chores · slowpoke · distracted · parent · nagging · hurry up · school bus · late
lingers
Remains beyond expected time
saunters · strolls · idles · moseying · unhurried · takes time · putters · potters · dilly-dallies · lollygags
delays
Pauses before proceeding
wastes time · puts off · dithers · procrastinates · lags · falls behind · deadline · avoids · distracted · unfocused
toddler
Child learning to walk
- getting dressedPutting garments on
- morning routineDaily start-of-day habits
- homeworkStudent assignments for outside class
bedtime · chores · slowpoke · distracted · parent · nagging · hurry up · school bus · late · playtime