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deflect - To direct attention away from a topic

At the press conference the Mayor didn't want to talk about the issue being asked, so he deflected the question and talked about a different subject.

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.

noun

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backlog - A quantity of work that should have been done already, but has not yet been done

When Bill got back from his vacation, there was such a backlog of work to catch up with, that he had to work until 10pm every night for a week.

noun

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impasse - A situation where no progress is possible due to disagreement or a deadlock.

The peace talks reached an impasse when neither side was willing to compromise.

noun

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logjam - A situation where progress is halted due to a buildup of problems, delays, or obstacles.

The political negotiations reached a logjam when neither side was willing to compromise.

verb

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procrastinate - To keep delaying something that must be done, often because it is unpleasant or boring.

They would procrastinate doing their taxes, because they found it such as stressful and boring activity.

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.

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.

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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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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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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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."