foot-dragging

noun

foot-drag·​ging ˈfu̇t-ˌdra-giŋ 

: failure to act with the necessary promptness or vigor

Examples of foot-dragging in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Even the most dependent of the United States’ allies have mastered the arts of foot-dragging, leash-slipping, and lobbying Washington. — Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026

Either way, the development is a public embarrassment for Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, whose antagonistic, foot-dragging attitude in negotiations with his young core finally cost him dearly. — Greg Beacham, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

There is a famed story about Campos, eyeing the boys foot-dragging, taking them out back and teaching them how to march. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 17 Jan. 2026

While progress has been made, the bloc is still impeded by both energy needs and foot-dragging member states. — Dominique Soguel, Christian Science Monitor, 24 Nov. 2025

One reason for the foot-dragging is that the power with Japan’s patriarchy is strong. — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1947, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for foot-dragging

• unflagging
• bagging
• bragging
• dragging
• flagging
• gagging
• lagging
• nagging
• sagging
• slagging
• snagging
• tagging