foot-dragging: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to semi-formal, often used in journalism, business, and political contexts.
Quick answer
What does “foot-dragging” mean?
The act of delaying or being slow and unwilling to do something, often intentionally.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of delaying or being slow and unwilling to do something, often intentionally.
A deliberate, passive resistance to progress, action, or a decision, often characterized by procrastination, lack of enthusiasm, or obstructive slowness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage and meaning are virtually identical in both varieties. Spelling is consistent as a hyphenated compound.
Connotations
Equally negative in both, implying obstructionism, inefficiency, or lack of cooperation.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American political and business journalism, but well-established in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “foot-dragging” in a Sentence
[Subject] accused [Object] of foot-dragging.The foot-dragging on [Issue] continued.There has been considerable foot-dragging over [Decision/Action].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foot-dragging” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council has been dragging its feet over the planning application for years.
American English
- The agency is dragging its heels on finalizing the environmental report.
adverb
British English
- The project proceeded foot-draggingly through each stage of approval.
American English
- They moved foot-draggingly slow on the implementation.
adjective
British English
- Their foot-dragging approach to the negotiations was infuriating.
American English
- We cannot tolerate any more foot-dragging tactics from the committee.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Criticising slow decision-making or implementation of projects: 'Shareholders are tired of the board's foot-dragging on the merger.'
Academic
Describing slow bureaucratic or institutional responses: 'The foot-dragging on ethical review approvals delayed the research for months.'
Everyday
Complaining about someone's slow cooperation: 'I need an answer, but there's been nothing but foot-dragging from your department.'
Technical
Less common; if used, it would be in socio-technical contexts describing user resistance or slow adoption.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “foot-dragging”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “foot-dragging”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foot-dragging”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He is foot-dragging'). The verb is 'to drag one's feet/heels'. 'Foot-dragging' is a noun.
- Misspelling as 'footdragging' (should be hyphenated).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is used in formal and semi-formal contexts, especially in news, business, and politics. In casual speech, people might simply say 'dragging their feet'.
No. 'Foot-dragging' is only a noun. The corresponding verb phrase is 'to drag one's feet' (or 'heels').
Both involve delay. 'Procrastination' is broader and often internal (postponing tasks due to avoidance). 'Foot-dragging' often implies a more active, often obstructive reluctance, sometimes in a cooperative or bureaucratic context where others are waiting.
No, the term is inherently negative. A more neutral or positive term for taking time would be 'deliberation', 'caution', or 'due diligence'.
The act of delaying or being slow and unwilling to do something, often intentionally.
Foot-dragging: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfʊt ˌdræɡ.ɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfʊt ˌdræɡ.ɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Drag one's feet/heels (the verbal source of the noun 'foot-dragging').”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture someone being pulled forward but literally dragging their feet on the ground, creating friction and slowing everything down. It's a physical image for a mental/behavioral delay.
Conceptual Metaphor
LACK OF PROGRESS IS PHYSICAL RESISTANCE TO MOTION / COOPERATION IS WALKING TOGETHER.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'foot-dragging' most strongly imply?