Dilatory
hardDIL-uh-tor-ee
adjective
Definition
Slow to act; intended to cause delay
Examples
“The dilatory tactics of the defense prolonged the trial for months.”
“His dilatory approach to deadlines jeopardized the project.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Dilatory is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "tardy" or "procrastinating" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "prompt".
Related GRE Words
torpid
Mentally or physically inactive; lethargic
anachronism
Something that is out of place in terms of historical or chronological context
quotidian
Of or occurring every day; ordinary or everyday
evanescent
Soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing
slothful
Lazy; unwilling to work or exert effort
lethargic
Affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic
Master dilatory and 800+ GRE words
Learn through stories, practice with real GRE questions, and never forget with spaced repetition.