What is procrastination mean?
What is procrastination mean
Pronunciation
/prəˌkræstɪˈneɪʃən/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The act of delaying or putting off tasks or decisions, often caused by laziness, fear, or perfectionism.
Examples
- She is guilty of procrastination, always leaving her assignments until the last minute.
- Procrastination can lead to increased stress and decreased productivity.
Synonyms
- Laziness
- Idle
Antonyms
- Productivity
- Efficiency
Additional Information
Procrastination can have serious consequences, such as missed deadlines, lost opportunities, and damaged relationships. It can also lead to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and low self-esteem. However, by recognizing the patterns and causes of procrastination, individuals can develop strategies to overcome it and improve their time management and productivity skills.
Procrastination can manifest in different ways, including delaying tasks, avoiding responsibilities, and engaging in distracting activities. It can be triggered by various factors, such as fear of failure, perfectionism, or lack of motivation.
Etymology
The word “procrastination” comes from the Latin words “pro” meaning “forward” and “crastinus” meaning “of tomorrow”. It was first used in the 16th century to describe the act of putting off tasks until the next day.
Usage Notes
Procrastination is often used to describe a habitual behavior, but it can also refer to a single instance of delaying a task. It is commonly used in self-help and productivity contexts to describe a common obstacle to achieving goals.
Cultural References
Procrastination has been the subject of numerous books, articles, and memes, often poking fun at the common experience of putting off tasks until the last minute.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Put off until tomorrow what you can do today”
- “Procrastination is the thief of time”
Related Words or Phrases
- Time management
- Productivity skills
- Task avoidance
Collocations
- Procrastination habits
- Procrastination techniques
- Overcoming procrastination
Frequency of Use
Procrastination is a relatively common word, often used in everyday conversation and written communication.