What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dilatory
Example
The dilatory response from the company caused frustration among the customers. [dilatory: adjective]
Example
He was dilatory in submitting his report, causing a delay in the project. [dilatory: adjective]
procrastinating
Example
She kept procrastinating on her essay until the night before it was due. [procrastinating: verb]
Example
His procrastinating behavior caused him to miss the deadline for the project. [procrastinating: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Procrastinating is more commonly used than dilatory in everyday language. Procrastinating is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while dilatory is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dilatory and procrastinating?
Dilatory is a more formal word than procrastinating. It is often used in legal or business contexts to describe delays or slowness in response or action. Procrastinating, on the other hand, is a more casual word that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
