dragging

American  

[drag-ing] / ˈdræg ɪŋ /

adjective

1. extremely tired or slow, as in movement; lethargic; sluggish.

   He was annoyed by their dragging way of walking and talking.

2. used in dragging, hoisting, etc..

   dragging ropes.

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dragging British  

/ ˈdræɡɪŋ /

noun

1. a decorating technique in which paint is applied with a specially modified brush to create a marbled or grainy effect

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Other Word Forms

• draggingly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of dragging

First recorded in 1765–75; drag + -ing ²

Example Sentences

“We are making these changes now because making smaller, repeated cuts or dragging a reorganization out over multiple quarters creates prolonged emotional uncertainty for employees and stalls our ability to build,” the email said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

Behavioral subscription revenue, which makes up a bigger portion of total sales, fell 18%, dragging overall subscription revenue down 9.6%.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

"It's going to take time, because Rwanda has long profited by looting resources, and that's why the negotiations are dragging on," he said.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

Hopes of a peace deal to end the Iran war were also dragging down oil prices earlier in the week, which could weigh on Shell’s profit.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

Beside her, Mrs. Maroney was dragging along as if she had the weight of the world on her shoulders.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan