adjective

dilatory

DIL-uh-tor-ee/ˈdɪlətɔːri/

Slow to act or tending to cause delay.

The dilatory checkout worker checks his phone while customers wait with their groceries.

A checkout worker delays a queue by leisurely attending to his phone instead of scanning the groceries directly in front of him.

Etymology

diLatinaway, apart

+latLatinto bear, carry

+oryLatinrelating to

The elements meaning “carry away” underlie a verb meaning “put off” or “postpone.” Dilatory describes someone prone to that postponement, or something that causes delay.

In context

THE SUPREME COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES50:34

the second sentence was added providing the presumption that any motion for postponement is dilatory except for the grounds stated therein.

Media Launch of the Rules on Expedited Procedures in the First Level Courts

More examples

Opponents use dilatory tactics to postpone the vote.
Customers who are dilatory in paying their bills face late fees.
A dilatory approval process keeps the new clinic from opening.

Forms

dilatory

dilatoriness noun — Slowness in acting or a tendency to delay.

Similar words

slow: Describes low speed generally, without necessarily suggesting postponement.
tardy: Means late, rather than slow to take action.