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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

verb

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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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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.

verb

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hinder - To create difficulties for someone or something that results in a delay.

He's smart, but his chances of success was hindered by his laziness.

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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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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interminable - Endless (often used hyperbolically)

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

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.

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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.