What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
laggard
Example
The company's laggard response to the crisis cost them dearly. [laggard: adjective]
Example
The laggard in the race was struggling to keep up with the rest of the runners. [laggard: noun]
dawdler
Example
Stop dawdling and finish your homework already! [dawdling: verb]
Example
The dawdler in the group caused everyone to be late for the movie. [dawdler: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dawdler is less common than laggard in everyday language, but both words are still used in various contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between laggard and dawdler?
Laggard is more formal than dawdler, making it more appropriate for professional or academic writing. However, both words can be used in informal settings as well.
