Definition

The quality of being slow to act or respond; a tendency to delay or procrastinate.

Example

His dilatoriness in completing the project caused frustration among his team members.

Conversation

Have you noticed how much dilatoriness there is in our group projects?

Yeah, it does seem like we always take forever to get started.

I think we need to set some deadlines to avoid that dilatoriness next time.

Definitely! A little pressure might help us stay on track.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Dilatoriness → It is formed from "dilatorius" (from Latin, meaning delaying) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "dilatoriness" refers to the quality of being slow or delaying action.

Memory Tip

Think of 'delaying' ('dilatorius') to remember that 'dilatoriness' means the state of being slow or taking time.

Visually Confused Words