Looking for synonyms for dilly dally? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say dilly dally.
- Procrastinate
- Dawdle
- Linger
- Loiter
- Drag one’s feet
- Dally
- Lollygag
- Tarry
- Waste time
- Hesitate
- Stall
- Delay
- Amble
- Meander
- Saunter
- Shilly-shally
- Dither
- Poter
- Fritter away time
- Loll
Want to learn how to say dilly dally professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Procrastinate
When to Use: Suitable for delaying or postponing something.
Example: “He tends to procrastinate when faced with difficult decisions.”
2. Dawdle
When to Use: Appropriate for wasting time or being slow.
Example: “We can’t afford to dawdle on this project; the deadline is approaching.”
3. Linger
When to Use: Best used for staying in a place longer than necessary.
Example: “After the meeting ended, she lingered to discuss the project details with her team.”
4. Loiter
When to Use: Suitable for spending time idly or without purpose.
Example: “The employees were cautioned against loitering in the office corridors during work hours.”
5. Drag One’s Feet
When to Use: Appropriate for delaying action or being slow to act.
Example: “The team is dragging its feet on implementing the new procedures.”
6. Dally
When to Use: Best used for acting or moving slowly.
Example: “We cannot dally in making a decision; time is of the essence.”
7. Lollygag
When to Use: Suitable for spending time aimlessly or idly.
Example: “There’s no time to lollygag; we have a tight schedule to keep.”
8. Tarry
When to Use: Appropriate for delaying or being slow to act.
Example: “Do not tarry in delivering the report; it’s urgently needed.”
9. Waste Time
When to Use: Best used for using time unproductively.
Example: “Wasting time on trivial tasks can delay more important work.”
10. Hesitate
When to Use: Suitable for pausing before saying or doing something.
Example: “Don’t hesitate to bring forward any concerns you have about the project.”
11. Stall
When to Use: Appropriate for delaying by being evasive or not acting promptly.
Example: “She suspected her colleague was stalling to avoid completing the task.”
12. Delay
When to Use: Best used for making something happen later than planned.
Example: “The unforeseen issues will delay the project’s completion.”
13. Amble
When to Use: Suitable for walking or moving at a slow, relaxed pace.
Example: “He ambled through the tasks without any sense of urgency.”
14. Meander
When to Use: Appropriate for proceeding aimlessly or with little purpose.
Example: “The team meandered through the planning phase without clear direction.”
15. Saunter
When to Use: Best used for walking in a slow, relaxed manner.
Example: “He sauntered into the meeting, unaware of the urgency of the situation.”
16. Shilly-Shally
When to Use: Suitable for showing indecision or hesitation.
Example: “We can’t afford to shilly-shally on this critical decision.”
17. Dither
When to Use: Appropriate for being indecisive.
Example: “The manager shouldn’t dither over the choice of the new software system.”
18. Poter
When to Use: Best used for spending time in a leisurely or aimless manner.
Example: “He was pottering around the office without any clear task.”
19. Fritter Away Time
When to Use: Suitable for wasting time on unimportant things.
Example: “Frittering away time on emails can prevent you from focusing on more important work.”
20. Loll
When to Use: Appropriate for spending time in a relaxed or lazy manner.
Example: “She was found lolling in the break room instead of working on her urgent tasks.”
