Dilatoriness

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈdaɪ.lə.tɔːr.i.nəs/ (American English), /ˈdɪl.ə.tə.rɪ.nəs/ (British English)

Definitions

• The quality or state of causing delays or procrastination.
• Slowness or reluctance in acting or making decisions.
• A tendency to defer or postpone tasks unnecessarily.

Usage Examples

• The dilatoriness of the committee led to frustration among the stakeholders.
• His habitual dilatoriness in responding to emails annoyed his colleagues.
• The government’s dilatoriness in implementing reforms was widely criticized.

Etymology

Derived from "dilatory" (Latin: dilatorius - "delaying, putting off") + the noun suffix "-ness," indicating a state or quality.

Synonyms

• Procrastination
• Sluggishness
• Tardiness
• Hesitation
• Indecision

Antonyms

• Punctuality
• Promptness
• Efficiency
• Expedition
• Readiness

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

American English: /ˈdaɪ.lə.tɔːr.i.nəs/

British English: /ˈdɪl.ə.tə.rɪ.nəs/

Australian English: /ˈdaɪ.lə.tɔːr.i.nəs/

Historical Usage

The term "dilatoriness" has been in English usage since the 17th century, primarily in legal, bureaucratic, and political contexts to describe unnecessary delays in decision-making.

Cultural Nuances

"Dilatoriness" is often used in formal and critical contexts, especially in legal and administrative discussions. In literature, it describes hesitant or indecisive behavior.

More Information

Legal and Governmental Use: The word is frequently found in legal and political discourse, criticizing slow decision-making and policy implementation.

Psychological Relevance: In psychology, dilatoriness is linked to procrastination and avoidance behaviors.

Impact in Business: In modern corporate environments, dilatoriness is considered a liability, as delays can result in lost opportunities and inefficiency.