dawdle
word
Definition
To move or act slowly and waste time, especially when you should be doing something more quickly.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal; often used for children or when someone is late because they were slow. Typical collocations: 'don't dawdle', 'dawdling over breakfast'. Implies needless delay, not just slow speed.
Spanish: holgazanear - perder el tiempoPortuguese (BR): enrolar - procrastinarPortuguese (PT): enrolar - procrastinarChinese (Simplified): 磨蹭 - 拖拖拉拉Chinese (Traditional): 磨蹭 - 拖拖拉拉Hindi: आलस्य करना - समय नष्ट करनाArabic: يتلكأ - يضيع الوقت
Example Sentences
Don't dawdle on your way to school.
basic
She always dawdles when getting ready in the morning.
basic
If you dawdle, you'll miss the bus.
basic
We don't have all day—stop dawdling and let's go!
natural
He dawdled over his homework, hoping to avoid bedtime.
natural
Why dawdle in the rain? Let's get inside!
natural