October 04, 2026

Dilatory

adjective

Definition

Slow to act; intended to cause delay. Dilatory tactics in negotiations are used to wear down the other side.

Example Sentence

“The company's dilatory response to the lawsuit suggested they were hoping the claimant would give up.”

Etymology

From Latin dilatorius, from dilator (one who delays), from differre (to delay).

Scrabble Score

D2I1L1A1T1O1R1Y4

DILATORY scores 12 points in Scrabble.

Synonyms & Related Words

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