procrastinating
Putting things off
Procrastinating is putting off tasks you should be doing, typically in favor of less important or more pleasant activities.
The word carries a note of self-reproach—you know you're delaying: I spent the whole afternoon procrastinating instead of finishing my report.
Someone who habitually delays is a procrastinator.
Causing later occurrence
- postponingRescheduling for later
- putting offChoosing to delay
- deferringPostponing or yielding respectfully
- stallingIntentional delay tactics
avoiding · evading · sidestepping · dodging · shirking · neglecting · ignoring · shelving
Persistent apprehensive distress
- perfectionismCompulsive pursuit of flawlessness
- overwhelmDefeat by excess
- paralysisLoss of muscle function
- guiltMoral self-reproach
shame · self-sabotage · fear · resistance · avoidance · motivation · willpower · executive dysfunction
Moving display content vertically
- browsingCasual examination of options
- binge-watchingRapid consecutive episode viewing
- snackingEating small portions casually
- daydreamingIdle mental wandering
doomscrolling · Netflix · YouTube · social media · rabbit hole · gaming · tidying · reorganizing
Time limit for completion
- last-minuteJust before deadline
- crunchCrushing, grinding noise
- all-nighterSleepless work stretch
- tomorrowThe day after today
later · someday · eventually · rushing · cramming · panic · extension · overdue
Work to be done
- to-do listPending tasks, itemized
- priorityStatus of greater importance
- time managementPlanning how hours are spent
- accountabilityObligation for one's actions
focus · discipline · planning · scheduling · commitment · goals · workflow · efficiency
delaying
Causing later occurrence
- postponingRescheduling for later
- putting offChoosing to delay
- deferringPostponing or yielding respectfully
stalling · avoiding · evading · sidestepping · dodging · shirking · neglecting · ignoring · shelving · tabling
anxiety
Persistent apprehensive distress
- perfectionismCompulsive pursuit of flawlessness
- overwhelmDefeat by excess
- paralysisLoss of muscle function
guilt · shame · self-sabotage · fear · resistance · avoidance · motivation · willpower · executive dysfunction · ADHD
scrolling
Moving display content vertically
- browsingCasual examination of options
- binge-watchingRapid consecutive episode viewing
- snackingEating small portions casually
daydreaming · doomscrolling · Netflix · YouTube · social media · rabbit hole · gaming · tidying · reorganizing · napping
deadline
Time limit for completion
- last-minuteJust before deadline
- crunchCrushing, grinding noise
- all-nighterSleepless work stretch
tomorrow · later · someday · eventually · rushing · cramming · panic · extension · overdue · countdown
task
Work to be done
- to-do listPending tasks, itemized
- priorityStatus of greater importance
- time managementPlanning how hours are spent
accountability · focus · discipline · planning · scheduling · commitment · goals · workflow · efficiency · habit
- bad habitssmoking, drinking, lying, swearing, gossiping
- behaviorshabit, aggressive, agitation, conduct, passive
- boredomboredom, ennui, tedium, monotony, dullness
- habitshabit, habits, bad habit, study habits, rituals
- setbacksfailing, back to square one, stuck, losing, stumbles
- work traitshardworking, diligent, productive, efficient, lazy
procrastinatingnonprocrastinating
Not putting things off
meeting deadlines · getting things done · hustling · attending to · rushing
procrastinatingtaking initiative
Acting without external direction
taking action · getting started · diving in · buckling down · tackling