dilly-dallier
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A person who habitually wastes time, delays, or procrastinates; someone who is slow to act or make decisions, often by engaging in trivial or aimless activities.
Usage
This noun is used to describe a person characterized by indecisiveness or a tendency to delay. It often carries a mildly critical or disapproving tone, suggesting frustration with the person's lack of urgency or efficiency.
Examples
- The project is behind schedule because one team member is a notorious dilly-dallier.
- Don't be such a dilly-dallier; we need to leave in five minutes!
- She hired an assistant who was efficient, not a dilly-dallier.
Advanced Usage
- As a descriptive label: The term is often used as a predicate nominative (e.g., "He is a dilly-dallier") or in apposition (e.g., "My brother, the dilly-dallier, is always late").
- Contextual nuance: While critical, it is less harsh than terms like "slacker" or "idler," often implying hesitation or dithering rather than pure laziness.
Variants and Related Words
- Dilly-dally (verb): To waste time, especially by indecision or trifling. (e.g., "Stop dilly-dallying and get to work!")
- Dawdler (noun): A person who is slow and wastes time.
- Procrastinator (noun): A person who delays or postpones action.
- Lingerer (noun): A person who stays in a place longer than necessary.
Synonyms
- Dawdler
- Procrastinator
- Laggard
- Loafer
- Time-waster
Antonyms
- Go-getter
- Hustler
- Dynamo
- Prompt person
Noun
- someone who wastes time