foot-dragging

as in delay
failure to do something quickly because you do not want to do it bureaucrats criticized for foot-dragging on important issues

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of foot-dragging One reason for the foot-dragging is that the power with Japan’s patriarchy is strong. William Pesek, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025 Only Spain caught flak from the US president over its foot-dragging over the 5% GDP spend. Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 25 June 2025 This foot-dragging and embrace of secrecy is unacceptable, and watchdog groups such as TPAF will continue to hold the DOJ accountable. Ross Marchand, Baltimore Sun, 23 June 2025 But as a result of the administration's foot-dragging, very few have been able to enter, and those who have were successful only after enormous effort. Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 Population growth and evolving agricultural practices have increased demand, while federal and state environmental laws, judicial decisions, political foot-dragging and climate change have restricted supply. Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025 Bureaucratic foot-dragging on the federal level by both Mexico and the United States is directly to blame for the continuing profound flowing of pollution into the Tijuana River. U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025 Experts have expressed concern that the Trump campaign’s foot-dragging on transition steps could have implications on the new administration’s national security preparedness by delaying key briefings, according to CNN. Maya Marchel Hoff, USA TODAY, 26 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for foot-dragging
delay
Noun
  • Colleyville Heritage defeated Richland 30-21 in a game halted early in the third quarter after a second lightning delay Friday at Mustang-Panther Stadium.
    Jordan Neal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Fans booed the delay from the stands at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.
    Laia Cervelló Herrero, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Foot-dragging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foot-dragging. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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