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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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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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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slacker -
A person who avoids work or effort
Chris was the ultimate slacker at work, asleep at his desk half the time.
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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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.
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.
noun
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impediment -
Something that makes progress or movement difficult or impossible
Helen Keller lost her sight and hearing when she was only19 months old, but she overcame these impediments and went to college at Radcliffe and became a great author and speaker.
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.
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.
adjective
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stagnate -
Cease developing; become inactive or dull
The stagnating economy had left workers nervous about keeping their jobs.
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.
