Dilatory

Dilatory (adjective) describes a tendency to delay or procrastinate, often resulting in a lack of urgency in tasks or responsibilities. Derived from the Latin word 'dilatorius', which means 'tending to delay', it is commonly used in both casual and legal contexts. A Dilatory approach can lead to frustration and inefficiency, impacting personal productivity and external commitments. In various scenarios, someone characterized as Dilatory may cause disruptions through their avoidance of prompt action or decisions.

Dilatory meaning with examples

• When the project manager took a Dilatory approach to approving the team's budget, important deadlines were missed. As a result, the entire project was delayed, leading to dissatisfaction among stakeholders and team members alike. The manager's reluctance to act swiftly mirrored a tendency that had consistently hampered efficiency in previous projects, showing how Dilatory behavior can disrupt even well-laid plans.
• During election season, some candidates adopt a Dilatory strategy in addressing controversial issues, hoping to avoid confrontation. This can leave the electorate feeling frustrated, as important matters remain unaddressed. Voters often prefer candidates who tackle issues with determined urgency rather than those who take a Dilatory stance, leading to skepticism regarding their commitment and ability to govern effectively.
• The defendant's lawyer employed a Dilatory tactic in court by requesting numerous continuances, which successfully pushed the trial date back for months. While such strategies can benefit clients by postponing legal proceedings, they also burden the judicial system. Judges may grow increasingly impatient with Dilatory actions that prolong cases unnecessarily, highlighting the fine line between strategy and inefficiency in the legal context.
• At the annual meeting, the CEO's Dilatory responses to shareholder questions raised concerns about the company's management and direction. Prolonged hesitance to address critical issues only fueled speculation and distrust among investors. Stakeholders expect prompt and clear answers, and a Dilatory demeanor can diminish confidence in leadership, ultimately impacting corporate reputation and stock prices.
• In academics, students often face the repercussions of Dilatory habits, particularly when it comes to submitting assignments. Procrastination leads to last-minute scrambling, and the quality of work suffers. Teachers notice a decline in performance from those who habitually adopt a Dilatory approach, emphasizing the importance of developing time management skills to foster academic success.