Dilatory
adjective
Causing delay or being slow to take action.
She was being dilatory in doing her homework, which frustrated her parents.
Often appears as...
- dilatory tactics
- dilatory manner
adjective
Intended to cause delay, usually in legal context.
The lawyer used dilatory measures to postpone the trial.
Often appears as...
- dilatory plea
- dilatory practices
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Technical
adjective
Causing delay or being slow to take action.
She was being dilatory in doing her homework, which frustrated her parents.
Often appears as...
- dilatory tactics
- dilatory manner
adjective
Intended to cause delay, usually in legal context.
The lawyer used dilatory measures to postpone the trial.
Often appears as...
- dilatory plea
- dilatory practices
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Technical
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Often implies laziness or avoidance, suggesting a lack of urgency.
His dilatory response cost the team valuable time.
Pro Tip 2/3Intention Unclear
Does not necessarily mean intentional delay but can be interpreted that way.
Her dilatory approach made others question her commitment.
Pro Tip 3/3Frustration Implied
Using 'dilatory' in a sentence often signals annoyance or disapproval.
I cannot tolerate your dilatory habits anymore.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Often implies laziness or avoidance, suggesting a lack of urgency.
His dilatory response cost the team valuable time.
Pro Tip 2/3Intention Unclear
Does not necessarily mean intentional delay but can be interpreted that way.
Her dilatory approach made others question her commitment.
Pro Tip 3/3Frustration Implied
Using 'dilatory' in a sentence often signals annoyance or disapproval.
I cannot tolerate your dilatory habits anymore.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
Often implies laziness or avoidance, suggesting a lack of urgency.
His dilatory response cost the team valuable time.
Pro Tip 2/3Intention Unclear
Does not necessarily mean intentional delay but can be interpreted that way.
Her dilatory approach made others question her commitment.
Pro Tip 3/3Frustration Implied
Using 'dilatory' in a sentence often signals annoyance or disapproval.
I cannot tolerate your dilatory habits anymore.
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Quote examples
Charlie Pierce
American Journalist
In the year of our Lord 2010, the voters of the United States elected the worst Congress in the history of the Republic. There have been Congresses more dilatory. There have been Congresses more irresponsible, though not many of them.
Quote examples
Harold E. Varmus
American Scientist
From some dilatory reading in the early 1960s, I knew enough about viruses and their association with tumors in animals to understand that they might provide a relatively simple entry into a problem as complex as cancer.
Quote examples
Tom Lantos
American Diplomat
The patience of the American public with dilatory diplomatic delays will be very limited.
Quote examples
Charlie Pierce
American Journalist
In the year of our Lord 2010, the voters of the United States elected the worst Congress in the history of the Republic. There have been Congresses more dilatory. There have been Congresses more irresponsible, though not many of them.
Quote examples
Harold E. Varmus
American Scientist
From some dilatory reading in the early 1960s, I knew enough about viruses and their association with tumors in animals to understand that they might provide a relatively simple entry into a problem as complex as cancer.
Quote examples
Tom Lantos
American Diplomat
The patience of the American public with dilatory diplomatic delays will be very limited.
Example 1 of 3
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