# procrastination

/pɹəˌkɹæstəˈneɪʃən/ (US) · /pɹˌɒkɹɑːstɪnˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/procrastination
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.