- present participle of dawdle.
dawdling
- hesitant adj.
- hesitating adj.
- slow adj.
- slow-footed adj.
- slow-going adj.
- slow-paced adj.
- tardy adj.
- trailing adj.
- vacillant adj.
- vacillatory adj.
- delay n.
- hesitation n.
- idleness n.
- inactivity n.
- indecisiveness n.
- inertness n.
- inoperativeness n.
- irresoluteness n.
- irresolution n.
- retardation n.
- tentativeness n.
- timidness n.
- to and fro n.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Cut a dawdling fight scene here and an interminable escape scene there, and the film would make a delightful in-universe companion to precede next summer’s “Superman” sequel, “Man of Tomorrow.”
From Salon ● Jun. 27, 2026
Like, just in case someone’s dawdling, or being careless about where they’re dumping snow.
From Slate ● Feb. 24, 2026
After Black Rod — Sarah Clarke — raps three times on the door with her staff, lawmakers make their way to the House of Lords, deliberately dawdling and chatting as they go.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 6, 2023
Tropical Storm Hilary engorged the waterway, usually just a dawdling stream during the summer, widening its banks from 15 to 100 feet.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 27, 2023
Her legs and her body trotted confidently ahead while her head drifted along behind like a dawdling balloon.
From "Little Fires Everywhere" by Celeste Ng
