Gradually descend to procrastination? (6)

I believe the answer is:

shelve

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'gradually descend' is the definition.
'shelve' can be an answer for 'descend' (thesaurus). I am not certain of the 'gradually' bit.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shelve that I've seen before include "Put aside for the present, plan or book" , "Slope gently" , "Put off indefinitely" , "Put on one 1 down" , "Place on a horizontal surface" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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