Words / C2

DIL-uh-t-uh-ree/ˈdɪlətəri/

Dilatory means slow and given to delay: dilatory replies, a dilatory ministry. Slow can be careful; dilatory often blames stalling. Procrastinating is the everyday verb idea. Prompt is a useful opposite.

Meaning

Slow and tending to delay (formal).

Examples

• “Dilatory replies held up the whole project.”
• “Dilatory invoicing wrecked their cash flow.”
• “The inquiry criticised dilatory safety checks.”

Good to know

dilatory replies/action (formal). Everyday: slow to act / stalling. Opposite: prompt.

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