Dilatoriness

Dilatoriness is the quality of being slow to act or proceeding at a leisurely pace, often resulting in delays. It signifies a procrastination or hesitancy that hinders the completion of tasks or the achievement of goals. This tardiness stems from a lack of urgency, efficiency, or diligence, leading to the postponement of actions or the prolonging of processes. It can be attributed to various factors like indecisiveness, apathy, or a preference for inaction, and is viewed negatively in contexts where promptness is essential. Consequently, it may cause inconvenience or frustration in personal or professional settings.

Dilatoriness meaning with examples

• The project's ultimate failure could be attributed to the team's dilatoriness in making crucial decisions, which resulted in missed deadlines and budget overruns. Their slow pace crippled their ability to innovate or compete, eventually leading to an unsatisfactory finished product.
• Despite repeated warnings, the government's dilatoriness in addressing the environmental crisis allowed the damage to escalate. This inaction showcased an indifference to the consequences and worsened the problem, jeopardizing ecological balance.
• The doctor's dilatoriness in diagnosing the illness led to a delay in treatment, potentially exacerbating the patient's condition. This negligence underscored the critical importance of quick medical attention and accurate assessments.
• Due to the company's dilatoriness in responding to customer complaints, its reputation suffered, causing loss of trust and leading to a drop in sales. The delay reflected poorly on their customer service and damaged brand image.