Word
procrastination
Phoneticspro·cras·ti·na·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/pɹəˌkɹæstəˈneɪʃən/
UK/pɹˌɒkɹɑːstɪnˈeɪʃən/
Definition
n. the habit of delaying or putting off doing something you should do. You often do this when you feel stressed or bored with the task.
n. the action of delaying or postponing something, especially a task that is necessary or important. Often used to describe a habitual tendency to avoid work or responsibility.
Examples
“I am guilty of procrastination when it comes to cleaning my room.”
“Many students suffer from procrastination, waiting until the last minute to start their final research papers.”
“While occasional procrastination is a common human trait, chronic avoidance of tasks can lead to significant stress and a decline in overall productivity.”
Examples
simple
“I am guilty of procrastination when it comes to cleaning my room.”
contextual
“Many students suffer from procrastination, waiting until the last minute to start their final research papers.”
complex
“While occasional procrastination is a common human trait, chronic avoidance of tasks can lead to significant stress and a decline in overall productivity.”
Real-World Examples
“So this is an issue for which there is an established evidence base that clearly highlights the negative impact of procrastination on students’ lives.” “Learn a few surprising facts about procrastination — and helpful tools to overcome it — with this quiz.” Etymology
From Middle French procrastination, from Latin prōcrāstinātiō, from prōcrāstinō (“procrastinate”), from prō + crāstinus (“of tomorrow”), from crās (“tomorrow”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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