dawdle -
To delay by taking more time than necessary
"Johnny!" his mother shouted, "we have to catch the train in 30 minutes, so would you please finish getting dressed and stop dawdling."
verb
2 of 30
Bad /
Delay
Url
audio
defuse -
To reduce the tension or danger in a difficult situation.
The mediator worked hard to defuse the conflict and tension between the two sides that were trying to negotiate an agreement.
adjective
3 of 30
Bad /
Delay
audio
stagnant -
Showing no activity; dull and sluggish
In the last few decades, the income of the richest 10% has increased while that of the bottom 90% has remained stagnant.
adjective
4 of 30
Bad /
Delay
audio
stagnate -
Cease developing; become inactive or dull
The stagnating economy had left workers nervous about keeping their jobs.
verb
5 of 30
Bad /
Delay
audio
dally -
To do something slowly or too slowly; to waste time
Ike had dozens of reports to read through, but he decided to dally in the office for most of the day instead of doing his work.
adjective
6 of 30
Bad /
Delay
audio
interminable -
Endless (often used hyperbolically)
Victor dreaded going to the DMV, knowing he would spend an interminable amount of time there.
noun
7 of 30
Bad /
Delay
audio
straggler -
A person or animal that is last in a group to do something or the last to get to or leave a place
While the other runners were far ahead of him, the straggler struggled at the back of the line.
adjective
8 of 30
Bad /
Delay
audio
stranded -
Unable to leave somewhere because of a problem such as not having any transportation or money
After the shipwreck, Arthur was stranded on the island for 2 years until the was discovered and brought back to civilisation.
verb
9 of 30
Bad /
Delay
Url
audio
balk -
To hesitate or be unwilling to continue with an idea or action.
Max had made all the plans to move from his apartment to the senior citizens home, but at the last minute, he balked and just couldn’t go through with it.
adjective
10 of 30
Bad /
Delay
Url
audio
obstinate -
Stubbornly refusing to change one's behavior or ideas
When his therapist suggested that Eddie give up gamblilng, he was obstinate and refused to consider the idea.
noun
11 of 30
Bad /
Delay
Url
audio
restraint -
The action of preventing or controlling someone or something or oneself from moving, acting, or progressing
There were many things that bothered her, but she decided to exercize restraint, and not spill out all her emotions at once.
verb
12 of 30
Bad /
Delay
audio
shirk -
To avoid or neglect a duty or responsibility.
Employees who shirk their duties result in unhappy customers and lower profits.
