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Definitions

dilatory

[dil-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ˈdɪl əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /
ADJECTIVE
procrastinating
Synonyms
WEAK
backward behindhand dallying delaying deliberate laggard late lax lazy leisurely lingering loitering moratory neglectful negligent putting off remiss slack slow sluggish snail-like tardy tarrying time-wasting unhasty unhurried
Antonyms
WEAK
diligent eager enthusiastic hard-working ready zealous

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.

Public opinion has split between those who have taken the king to task for being dilatory and those who think he has played the situation correctly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

There have always been those who found the place, with its pretentious airs, dilatory pacing and stultifying rules of order, a frustrating environment to work in, much less thrive.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2025

"Mr Trump's current situation is a result of his own dilatory actions," he wrote.

From BBC • Mar. 8, 2024

Gerry Adams, another key player in the 1998 talks as head of the political wing of the Irish Republican Army, said he would be "very, very dilatory about making changes to the Good Friday Agreement".

From Reuters • Apr. 3, 2023

After a pause he added "sir" in a dilatory, grudging way.

From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.