What does procrastinator mean?
A procrastinator is someone who habitually delays tasks, commitments, or decisions. The term is commonly used to describe a person who repeatedly postpones work, sometimes because of avoidance, indecision, or poor planning. It can be critical when it identifies a persistent obstacle to completing something, while the familiar phrase “a chronic procrastinator” often adds humor or exasperation. In less formal contexts, the word may refer more loosely to someone who puts off a particular task. Procrastination can affect people in many ways, from delaying a small household chore to postponing an important application or professional deadline. Understanding the term is useful because it distinguishes delay that results from inability to begin or prioritize work from delay caused by practical constraints such as illness, financial hardship, or competing responsibilities. The related verb “procrastinate” is often more neutral in describing the action itself.
nounA person who delays doing something, especially because they postpone an important task or decision.
- A person who habitually postpones tasks, commitments, or decisions.
"Her reputation as a procrastinator made it difficult to trust that the report would arrive on time."
"He knew he was a procrastinator, but the deadline still arrived before the work was finished."
"Calling the team a group of procrastinators may identify the problem without offering a solution."
Used for more than one person who habitually delays tasks or commitments.
"The workshop helped several procrastinators divide their work into manageable deadlines."
The word comes from Latin for putting things off until tomorrow, then making tomorrow repeat the pattern.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does procrastinator come from?
The word comes from Latin procrastinare, meaning “to postpone” or “defer.” Its components include pro-, meaning “forward,” and crastinus, meaning “of or relating to tomorrow,” ultimately derived from cras, “tomorrow.” The English noun “procrastinator” developed from the related Latin stem and appears in English during the early 19th century, following the earlier use of “procrastinate” and “procrastination.” The same Latin roots are reflected in cognates in several European languages, including French procrastiner and German prokrastinieren.
How procrastinator is actually used
Often used in a mildly critical or jocular tone. It describes a pattern of delay, not merely one isolated postponement, although the word can also be used less formally for a single person who puts something off.