Which adjective means delaying or tardy in action?

Which adjective means delaying or tardy in action?

• A. Lethargic
• B. Prompt
• C. Procrastinating
• D. Dilatory

Answer: (D)

Understanding adjectives that describe delay in action helps you pick the word that captures the sense of being slow or causing holdups. Dilatory is the one that fits best here. It describes someone or something that is slow to act or intended to cause delay, often used in formal contexts like “dilatory tactics” or “dilatory measures.” This precise emphasis on delaying action makes it the right choice for “delaying or tardy in action.” Lethargic means sluggish or lacking energy, which isn’t about delaying actions specifically. Prompt is the opposite, signaling quick, on-time action. Procrastinating describes delaying oneself, but it’s a more activity-focused or ongoing tendency and is a less formal fit for the exact sense of being slow to act in a general sense.

Understanding adjectives that describe delay in action helps you pick the word that captures the sense of being slow or causing holdups. Dilatory is the one that fits best here. It describes someone or something that is slow to act or intended to cause delay, often used in formal contexts like “dilatory tactics” or “dilatory measures.” This precise emphasis on delaying action makes it the right choice for “delaying or tardy in action.”

Lethargic means sluggish or lacking energy, which isn’t about delaying actions specifically. Prompt is the opposite, signaling quick, on-time action. Procrastinating describes delaying oneself, but it’s a more activity-focused or ongoing tendency and is a less formal fit for the exact sense of being slow to act in a general sense.