dismissal for want of prosecution

A court’s dismissal of a lawsuit because the plaintiff has failed to pursue the case diligently toward completion. — Abbr. DWOP. — Also termed dismissal for failure to prosecute; dismissal for lack of prosecution. [Cases: Criminal Law 303.30(1); Federal Civil Procedure 1758; Pretrial Procedure 581–602. C.J.S. Dismissal and Nonsuit §§ 43, 51, 67–73.]