Dawdles

To dawdle means to move slowly or waste time; to proceed or act without urgency. It often implies a reluctance to proceed or finish a task, savoring the moment, or being distracted. This leisurely pace can be due to enjoyment of the present activity, a lack of motivation, or simply a personality inclination. Dawdling suggests a disregard for time constraints and a tendency towards procrastination or slow progress, which is a major element of dawdling. Dawdling is not always negative, sometimes it means to take your time and be in the moment, which makes for a more relaxed experience.

Dawdles meaning with examples

• The children dawdles on their way to school, stopping to examine every interesting rock and chasing after butterflies. They knew they were already late, but their sense of wonder had to be satiated. Their mom often lamented their slow pace. Their leisurely approach meant a frantic rush for them to get in school when they were already late.
• She dawdles over her morning coffee, reading the newspaper and watching the sunrise, unwilling to begin the day's work. The moment of rest was all that mattered to her and she refused to start her day before she was ready. She often came in late. Time was not of importance when she first woke.
• He tends to dawdles with his chores, taking excessive breaks and chatting instead of getting the work done, much to the dismay of his parents. They often get angry with him as it was important to them that the chores be done as quick as possible. But for him, the day was longer if the chores took a while.
• As a skilled craftsman, he dawdles over his work to take his time, taking pride in the details of his meticulous construction. He knew that taking his time, although slower than others, would ensure the highest quality of his work. For him, the result was everything.