verb
procrastinate
pruh-KRAS-tuh-nayt
Procrastinate (verb) means to keep putting off something you should be doing, usually because it feels difficult or unpleasant, and to do something easier instead. Example: “I procrastinated all weekend and started the essay at midnight.”
verb
1
To keep putting off something you should be doing, usually because it feels difficult or unpleasant, and to do something easier instead.
"I procrastinated all weekend and started the essay at midnight."
"He procrastinates by reorganising his desk."
How to use procrastinate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPutting off a job you know you should be getting on with.
When to use it
Neutral, mildly self-critical in everyday use.
Memory tip
Note the spelling: pro-cras-tin-ate, with cras from the Latin for "tomorrow".
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
stop procrastinating
procrastinate on a deadline
chronic procrastinator
procrastinating instead of working
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Fill the gap
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I _____ all weekend and started the essay at midnight.
Etymology
From Latin procrastinare "to put off until tomorrow", from pro- "forward" + cras "tomorrow".
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for procrastinate
See all rhymes for procrastinate →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between procrastinating and postponing?
Postponing is a deliberate decision to move something to a better time, often for good reason. Procrastinating is avoidance: you delay without a plan and usually feel worse for it.
Is procrastination the same as laziness?
No. Laziness is not wanting to do the work at all; procrastination usually involves wanting to do it and avoiding it anyway, often because the task provokes anxiety, perfectionism or boredom. Procrastinators are frequently busy with other things while avoiding the one that matters.
What is the meaning of procrastinate?
"procrastinate" (verb) means to keep putting off something you should be doing, usually because it feels difficult or unpleasant, and to do something easier instead.
What is another word for procrastinate?
Other words for "procrastinate" include delay, dawdle, stall, dither, put off, dally.
