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defuse - To reduce the tension or danger in a difficult situation.

The mediator worked hard to defuse the conflict and tension between the two sides that were trying to negotiate an agreement.

verb

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dillydally - To waste time through aimless wandering or indecision

Beth and Kat dillydallied outside the store instead of going inside and buying something.

verb

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evade - To avoid or escape from someone or something.

For years after stealing the jewels from the Jewelry store, Marcel managed to evade being caught.

noun

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sloth - Reluctance to work or make an effort; laziness

Reed spent the whole day living in sloth, never even leaving the couch.

noun

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limbo - An uncertain period of awaiting a decision or resolution; an intermediate state or condition

Because Ian had so much trouble making decisions, he often felt stuck in limbo, unsure of which direction his decisions would be taking him.

verb

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shirk - To avoid or neglect a duty or responsibility.

Employees who shirk their duties result in unhappy customers and lower profits.

verb

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dawdle - To delay by taking more time than necessary

"Johnny!" his mother shouted, "we have to catch the train in 30 minutes, so would you please finish getting dressed and stop dawdling."

noun

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laggard - A person who makes slow progress and falls behind others

Once the runners ahead of him were specks in the distance, Terry knew he was the laggard of the race.

noun

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straggler - A person or animal that is last in a group to do something or the last to get to or leave a place

While the other runners were far ahead of him, the straggler struggled at the back of the line.

adjective

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obstinate - Stubbornly refusing to change one's behavior or ideas

When his therapist suggested that Eddie give up gamblilng, he was obstinate and refused to consider the idea.

adjective

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reluctant - Not willing to do something and therefore slow to do it

They were reluctant to invest in the startup without more solid information.

adjective

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interminable - Endless (often used hyperbolically)

Victor dreaded going to the DMV, knowing he would spend an interminable amount of time there.