Procrastinate Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

To delay or postpone doing something, especially important tasks, usually because you don't want to do them or are avoiding them.

Usage & Nuances

Formal/neutral; often used in academic, work, or self-development contexts. Common patterns: 'tend to procrastinate', 'stop procrastinating', 'procrastinate on homework'. Not used for unavoidable delays—implies a choice to delay due to avoidance or lack of motivation. Related noun: 'procrastination'.

• Spanish: procrastinar - posponer (cuando es por hábito)
• Portuguese (BR): procrastinar - adiar (por costume)
• Portuguese (PT): procrastinar - adiar (por hábito)
• Chinese (Simplified): 拖延
• Chinese (Traditional): 拖延
• Hindi: टालना
• Arabic: يؤجّل (عادةً من التسويف)
• Bengali: দীর্ঘসূত্রতা করা - গড়িমসি করা
• Russian: откладывать (на потом) - медлить
• Japanese: 先延ばしにする - ぐずぐずする
• Vietnamese: trì hoãn
• Korean: 미루다 - 질질 끌다
• Turkish: ertelemek - oyalanmak
• Urdu: ٹال مٹول کرنا - تاخیر کرنا
• Indonesian: menunda-nunda - menunda pekerjaan

Example Sentences

I always procrastinate when I have to clean my room.

basic

Do not procrastinate on your homework.

basic

She tends to procrastinate before exams.

basic

If you procrastinate too long, the work just piles up.

natural

I sometimes procrastinate by watching videos instead of getting things done.

natural

Everyone procrastinates sometimes—don’t be too hard on yourself.

natural