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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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
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
-
Even in areas accustomed to heavier snowfalls, accumulations in this range can result in delays, collisions and road closures if not treated promptly.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Therefore, the resulting stock drops can be viewed as buying opportunities — so long as the delays don't turn into order cancellations.—
Jeff Marks,
CNBC,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Foot-dragging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/foot-dragging. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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