dawdle
verb C2
Plain meaning
to move or act too slowly and waste time
Exam-register meaning
In formal or high-level texts, it is used to describe to move or act too slowly and waste time, often with a precise or specialised tone.
In context
naturalThe team tried to dawdle the problem before it became serious.
examThe report argues that institutions should dawdle ineffective practices through evidence-based reform.
Common collocations
dawdle a proposaldawdle the issuedawdle in practice
Watch out
Do not use “dawdle” with every object. Check the object that follows it and avoid using it when a simpler verb is more natural.
Word family
dawdleing (verb form)dawdleed (past/participle, where regular)