Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

clock-watcher

Noun
/ˈklɒk.wɒtʃ.ər/
Definition
A person who frequently checks the time, usually because they are anxious to finish work or a task.
Examples
  • John has become such a clock-watcher that he hardly gets any work done before quitting time.
  • In meetings, she could always tell who the clock-watchers were by how often they glanced at their watches.
Meaning
The term ‘clock-watcher’ implies someone whose attention is focused more on the time passing rather than on the tasks at hand, often indicating a lack of engagement or enthusiasm for their work.
Synonyms
  • Time-watcher
  • Work-shirker
  • Procrastinator