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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linger -
To stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave
The waiter and waitress staff needed to head home, but they first had to wait for the lingering customers to leave.
noun
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hurdle -
a problem that you must solve or deal with before you can make progress.
To take an idea and turn it into a successful and profitable product invovles countless hurdles that must be overcome.
verb
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balk -
To hesitate or be unwilling to continue with an idea or action.
Max had made all the plans to move from his apartment to the senior citizens home, but at the last minute, he balked and just couldn’t go through with it.
verb
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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.
adjective
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stagnate -
Cease developing; become inactive or dull
The stagnating economy had left workers nervous about keeping their jobs.
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.
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.
adjective
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stagnant -
Showing no activity; dull and sluggish
In the last few decades, the income of the richest 10% has increased while that of the bottom 90% has remained stagnant.
verb
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dally -
To do something slowly or too slowly; to waste time
Ike had dozens of reports to read through, but he decided to dally in the office for most of the day instead of doing his work.
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.
noun
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obstacle -
Something that blocks your way so that movement or progress is prevented or made more difficult.
Bill wanted to become a doctor, but a major obstacle that made that goal difficult was that he hated studying.
