Looking for synonyms for wasting time? We’ve got you covered!
Here’s a list of other ways to say wasting time.
- Procrastinating
- Dilly-dallying
- Loitering
- Lollygagging
- Dawdling
- Idling
- Lagging
- Dallying
- Tarrying
- Frittering away
- Squandering
- Trifling
- Linger
- Meandering
- Ambling
Want to learn how to say wasting time professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.
1. Procrastinating
Used when delaying or postponing tasks unnecessarily.
Example: “Procrastinating on the financial report can lead to missed deadlines.”
2. Dilly-dallying
Appropriate for aimlessly wasting time or being indecisive.
Example: “There’s no room for dilly-dallying during the critical stages of the project.”
3. Loitering
Used for spending time idly without a clear purpose or task.
Example: “Loitering in the break room during work hours is frowned upon.”
4. Lollygagging
Suitable for spending time in an aimless or idle manner.
Example: “Lollygagging during office hours impacts productivity negatively.”
5. Dawdling
Appropriate for when tasks are performed too slowly or without urgency.
Example: “Dawdling over the completion of the audit will delay the entire financial schedule.”
6. Idling
Used to describe being unproductive or inactive.
Example: “Idling away your time can result in missed opportunities and deadlines.”
7. Lagging
Suitable for falling behind in pace or progress.
Example: “The team is lagging in their quarterly targets due to inefficient time management.”
8. Dallying
Used for spending time on unimportant tasks or without seriousness.
Example: “Dallying with unimportant emails can consume valuable work time.”
9. Tarrying
Appropriate for delaying or procrastinating by taking too long to act.
Example: “Tarrying in decision-making can lead to lost business opportunities.”
10. Frittering Away
Suitable for wasting time, money, or energy on insignificant matters.
Example: “Frittering away the budget on unnecessary meetings can be costly for the department.”
11. Squandering
Used for wasting resources or opportunities through negligence or inaction.
Example: “Squandering time on redundant tasks can hinder project progress.”
12. Trifling
Appropriate for treating important tasks without due seriousness or respect.
Example: “Trifling with client concerns can damage professional relationships.”
13. Linger
Used when spending more time than necessary on a task or in a location.
Example: “Lingering on minor details can prevent focusing on more critical aspects of the work.”
14. Meandering
Suitable for proceeding aimlessly or without clear direction.
Example: “Meetings that meander without a clear agenda can be a huge time sink.”
15. Ambling
Appropriate for moving or working at a leisurely or slow pace in a situation that requires speed.
Example: “Ambling through the planning phase can delay project execution.”
