A 'lollygagger' is an individual who habitually wastes time, idles, or dawdles; they often avoid work or responsibilities, preferring to engage in unproductive or frivolous activities. This behavior stems from a lack of diligence, seriousness, or a strong sense of purpose. It can manifest as prolonged procrastination, unnecessary delays, or a general lack of urgency in completing tasks. Lollygaggers might be perceived as lazy, unambitious, or even disrespectful of others' time, especially in professional or collaborative settings. The term often carries a pejorative connotation, highlighting the perceived inefficiency or lack of commitment of the individual.
Lollygagger meaning with examples
- During the construction project, the foreman became frustrated with the frequent lollygaggers, whose slow pace held up progress and strained the project timeline. He would often have to shout and threaten to fire them. They'd take endless smoke breaks and conversations, while others worked tirelessly to meet deadlines. Ultimately, their actions damaged their reputations and undermined the team’s ability to succeed.
- Despite the looming deadline, the student continued to lollygag, scrolling through social media and chatting with friends instead of studying. The student's procrastination led to a rushed all-nighter. The student regretted their choices, realizing the detrimental effects of not staying focused and determined. The student had trouble sleeping with this overwhelming thought, and was tired at work.
- The office environment was known for its productivity, so the new employee’s tendency to lollygag in the breakroom drew immediate criticism. The supervisor noticed this trend and asked the employee to refocus their efforts on the assigned projects. The new hire was given a stern warning about the importance of meeting deadlines and avoiding unnecessary delays that could affect everyone’s tasks.
- The hiker, initially eager to reach the summit, began to lollygag after a few hours, stopping frequently to admire the scenery and take photos. This slow pace prevented the hiker from reaching the summit, with sunlight fading and the weather changing. The journey's initial promise dwindled with the hike, replaced by a sense of disappointment. The hiker had to stay overnight in the forest and risk it all.