Which term refers to wasting time or dawdling?

The term "dally" specifically means to waste time or to engage in idle activities instead of taking action or being productive. It conveys a sense of leisure or reluctance to proceed with tasks, which aligns directly with the concept of wasting time.

In contrast, the other terms have different meanings that don’t relate to wasting time. "Beleaguer" means to besiege or surround, often in a figurative sense of being troubled or stressed by problems. "Ponderous" describes something that is heavy, slow, or awkward due to weight or complexity, and doesn’t convey the idea of time-wasting. "Plight" refers to a difficult or adverse situation, which again doesn’t connect to the concept of dawdling or idling. Thus, "dally" stands out as the most direct and accurate term for wasting time.