dilatory
Prone to delay
Dilatory means slow to act, causing delay, or intended to stall.
A dilatory response takes too long.
Dilatory tactics are deliberate attempts to waste time or postpone action: The defense filed dilatory motions to drag out the trial.
The word carries disapproval—someone dilatory isn't just unhurried but culpably slow.
Postponing what needs doing
- dawdlingLeisurely time-wasting
- stallingIntentional delay tactics
- ditheringProlonged indecisive hesitation
- hesitatingPausing with doubt
temporizing · dilly-dallying · shilly-shallying · foot-dragging · time-wasting · lollygagging · vacillating · delaying
Slow and inactive
- lethargicLacking energy or alertness
- languidWeak and without vigor
- torpidInactive and slow
- slothfulHabitually avoiding exertion
plodding · unhurried · leisurely · ponderous · listless · indolent · phlegmatic · snail-paced
Not on time
- belatedArriving after expected
- overduePast expected arrival
- behindAt the rear
- unpunctualHabitually not timely
delayed · behindhand · tardy · delinquent · untimely
Sustained extension forward
- adjournmentTemporary suspension of proceedings
- postponementDelaying to later
- defermentAuthorized delay of obligation
- reschedulingSetting a different time
protraction · filibuster · stonewalling · obstructionist · evasive · uncooperative · noncompliant
procrastinating
Postponing what needs doing
- dawdlingLeisurely time-wasting
- stallingIntentional delay tactics
- ditheringProlonged indecisive hesitation
hesitating · temporizing · dilly-dallying · shilly-shallying · foot-dragging · time-wasting · lollygagging · vacillating · delaying · postponing
sluggish
Slow and inactive
slothful · plodding · unhurried · leisurely · ponderous · listless · indolent · phlegmatic · snail-paced · lumbering
late
Not on time
unpunctual · delayed · behindhand · tardy · delinquent · untimely
continuance
Sustained extension forward
- adjournmentTemporary suspension of proceedings
- postponementDelaying to later
- defermentAuthorized delay of obligation
rescheduling · protraction · filibuster · stonewalling · obstructionist · evasive · uncooperative · noncompliant
dilatoryprompt
Incite to action
punctual · timely · expeditious · ready · responsive
delay, difference, differ, dilate, dilated, differential, dilation