Akhirakhirkan

Akhirakhirkan is a verb used in Indonesian and Malay to describe delaying a task, decision, or action until the end of a period, especially close to a deadline. The term signals an action that pushes execution toward the end rather than starting early.

Etymology and form: The word is built from the root akhir (end) with reduplication (akhir-akhir) and the causative suffix -kan, yielding a transitive verb that means to cause something to be completed at or toward the end. It is primarily found in informal speech and writing; in standard Indonesian, more neutral alternatives such as menunda or menunda-nunda are common.

Usage and nuance: Akhir-akhirkan generally conveys procrastination or a tendency to delay work until the last moment. It often carries a negative tone, reflecting poor planning or time management. The term can describe a habitual pattern when used with adverbs such as selalu or sering.

Examples: "Dia sering mengakhir-akhirkan tugasnya hingga mendekati tenggat." "Jangan mengakhir-akhirkan pekerjaanmu; mulailah sekarang."

Relation to related terms: Similar ideas appear under menunda-nunda or prokrastinasi in cross-language contexts. The term is more common in informal speech and online discourse, and is less likely to appear in formal writing. In formal contexts, speakers typically use menunda or menangguhkan to express delaying actions.