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Dictionary definition of procrastinate

To delay or defer action or decision-making, often until a later time.
"I tend to procrastinate when faced with a difficult task."

Detailed meaning of procrastinate

Procrastination refers to the act of putting off tasks or responsibilities that should be done in a timely manner, often as a result of indecision, lack of motivation, or feelings of overwhelm. People who procrastinate may struggle to get started on important tasks, or may find themselves constantly deferring deadlines or making excuses for why they can't take action. While some level of procrastination is normal and common, excessive or chronic procrastination can be harmful and lead to negative consequences such as missed opportunities, stress, and decreased productivity. To overcome procrastination, it is important to identify the underlying causes, set realistic goals and deadlines, and develop effective strategies for motivation and organization.

Example sentences of procrastinate

1. When it comes to exercise, many people procrastinate and skip the gym altogether.
2. If you procrastinate on homework, your grades will eventually suffer.
3. People often procrastinate because they fear failure or judgment from others.
4. To procrastinate on tax filing can lead to penalties and added stress later on.
5. Businesses that procrastinate in adopting new technologies risk falling behind.
6. Procrastinate now, and you'll find yourself racing against the clock later.

History and etymology of procrastinate

The verb 'procrastinate' has an etymology that can be traced back to Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'procrastinare,' which combines 'pro,' meaning 'forward,' and 'crastinus,' meaning 'belonging to tomorrow.' In its literal sense, 'procrastinate' means to defer or delay something until tomorrow or a future time. Over time, the term took on a broader meaning in English, describing the act of delaying or postponing action or decision-making, often to a later time than originally intended. The etymology of 'procrastinate' underscores the concept of pushing tasks or decisions forward, highlighting the tendency to postpone or defer actions that should be taken promptly.

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Further usage examples of procrastinate

1. Parents often procrastinate on discussing sensitive topics with their children.
2. Sometimes people procrastinate because they lack a sense of urgency.
3. It's easy to procrastinate when you don't set specific deadlines for yourself.
4. You'll feel more in control if you don't procrastinate on your responsibilities.
5. When I procrastinate, my stress levels go up and my productivity goes down.
6. Creatives may procrastinate when they experience a block in inspiration.
7. Procrastinate on chores and you'll end up with a messy home to tackle later.
8. Some people procrastinate as a coping mechanism for their anxiety.
9. If you procrastinate too much, you might miss out on exciting opportunities.
10. Many students procrastinate, then cram the night before an exam.
11. Self-discipline is key if you want to break the habit and not procrastinate.
12. Workers who procrastinate may find themselves with job performance issues.
13. If you procrastinate, you'll have less time for things you truly enjoy.
14. Procrastinate on your diet and you won't achieve your health goals anytime soon.
15. People sometimes procrastinate because they overestimate how much time they have.
16. Deadlines seem less intimidating if you don't procrastinate and plan ahead.
17. Small tasks become monumental when you procrastinate and let them pile up.
18. Couples who procrastinate on communication may face relationship problems.
19. It's ironic how we procrastinate on tasks meant to make our lives easier.
20. He always finds ways to procrastinate instead of starting his assignments.
21. We often procrastinate when it comes to making important decisions.
22. They prefer to procrastinate rather than confront their problems.
23. The students frequently procrastinate on their homework until the last minute.
24. It's easy to procrastinate when there's no strict deadline looming.
25. He likes to procrastinate by scrolling through social media.
26. She tends to procrastinate on her chores until the mess becomes overwhelming.
27. They always procrastinate on paying their bills until they receive reminders.
28. He tends to procrastinate when it comes to making phone calls.
29. She has a tendency to procrastinate on starting new projects.
30. They procrastinate on studying for exams until the night before.
31. He would rather procrastinate and relax than work on his presentation.
32. I try not to procrastinate, but sometimes it's hard to resist the temptation.