Synonyms of foot-dragging

foot-dragging

noun

as in delay

failure to do something quickly because you do not want to do it

bureaucrats criticized for foot-dragging on important issues

Related Words

• delay
• lag
• setback
• hesitation
• slowdown
• wait
• pause
• holdup
• postponement
• deferral
• deferment
• detention
• respite
• holding pattern
• detainment
• holdback
• reprieve

Dissimilar Words

• rush
• haste
• dispatch
• promptness
• promptitude

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of foot-dragging

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