Dilly-dallier

A 'dilly-dallier' is a person who wastes time, procrastinates, and delays action, often in a trivial or unproductive manner. They tend to engage in frivolous activities, dawdle over tasks, and avoid making timely decisions. This behavior typically results in inefficiency and missed deadlines, causing frustration for themselves and others. Dilly-dalliers may be easily distracted, have difficulty focusing, and lack a strong sense of urgency. They might enjoy postponing important matters in favor of less significant diversions, leading to a perception of laziness or lack of responsibility, thereby failing to meet obligations, and being unproductive.

Dilly-dallier meaning with examples

• John, the office dilly-dallier, spent the entire morning browsing online instead of completing his crucial project report. His boss was extremely displeased when he received a half-finished product. Consequently, this dilly-dallying directly impacted the deadline, and his co-workers' dependence on his part of the project.
• Sarah, a known dilly-dallier, always postponed starting her taxes until the last minute. This procrastination led to a stressful rush, making her more prone to errors, ultimately costing her additional penalties. She would do everything except for the core task at hand, and then get stressed.
• The construction crew fell behind schedule because the lead worker, a dilly-dallier, wasted hours chatting and taking unnecessary breaks. The client's expectation went unfulfilled, and extra costs had been created which will lead to a delay.
• Despite numerous warnings, Michael, the quintessential dilly-dallier, kept putting off his doctor's appointment for a persistent cough. The situation worsened considerably, prompting him to pay a rushed and avoidable visit to the emergency room, causing more stress.