This is the 4936th most frequent Chinese word.
蹉跎
Wasting time or letting opportunities slip by.
The word '蹉跎' is used here to indicate wasting or losing time in an unproductive manner.
他在夏天蹉跎了许多宝贵的时间。
He wasted much valuable time during the summer.
'蹉跎' conveys the idea of letting valuable time slip away without use; it's emphasized as something to avoid.
年轻人应避免生活中的蹉跎，珍惜每一分每一秒。
Young people should avoid wasting time in life and cherish every moment.
In this case, '蹉跎' refers to the act of squandering time during one's youth, which contrasts with later success.