dawdle

IPA

Dictionary definition of dawdle

To waste time or move slowly and aimlessly, often with no particular purpose or direction.
"He tends to dawdle when doing his homework, which results in poor grades."

Detailed meaning of dawdle

It involves a lack of urgency or motivation to complete a task or reach a destination. Dawdling is often associated with procrastination and can be frustrating for those around the dawdler who are waiting for them to act or move. Dawdling can occur for a variety of reasons, including boredom, indecisiveness, or a desire to avoid something. When someone is dawdling, they are typically not making efficient use of their time or resources, which can lead to negative consequences in both personal and professional settings.

Example sentences containing dawdle

1. Don't dawdle on your way to the store, we need those supplies urgently.
2. If you dawdle too much, you'll miss the bus.
3. It is not wise to dawdle when there is important work to be done.
4. Despite having a long to-do list, I often dawdle before starting.
5. It's easy to dawdle when you're not motivated.
6. She knew she had a deadline but couldn't help but dawdle.

History and etymology of dawdle

The verb 'dawdle' has its etymological origins in the Scottish word 'doddle,' which meant 'to toddle' or 'to move slowly and unsteadily.' Over time, 'dawdle' emerged in the English language to signify the act of wasting time or moving slowly and aimlessly, often without a specific purpose or direction. 'Dawdle' conveys a sense of procrastination or inefficiency, suggesting a lack of urgency or focus in one's actions. It reflects the human tendency to linger in leisure or daydream, sometimes at the expense of more productive pursuits, and is a term often associated with idleness or a relaxed pace of life.

Quiz: Find the meaning of dawdle

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of dawdle

1. When I feel overwhelmed, I tend to dawdle rather than tackle the issues head-on.
2. Children often dawdle when it's time to get ready for bed.
3. It's tempting to dawdle in the morning and take your time getting ready.
4. If you dawdle in making a decision, you may miss out on a great opportunity.
5. It's important not to dawdle when you're in a dangerous situation.
6. When you're on a tight schedule, there's no time to dawdle.
7. If you dawdle too long, you'll be late for your appointment.
8. Even though I know I shouldn't, I often dawdle before getting started on a big project.
9. I tend to dawdle when I'm not sure what to do next.
10. It's easy to dawdle when you're procrastinating.
11. I often dawdle in the morning before I've had my coffee.
12. It's easy to dawdle when you're browsing the internet.
13. If you dawdle too much, you'll waste the whole day.
14. When you're feeling lazy, it's easy to dawdle and not get much done.