Deadline Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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deadline
[ˈdɛd.laɪn ]
Definitions
project management
A deadline is a specific time or date by which a task must be completed.
Synonyms
cut-off date, due date, time limit.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deadline |
Typically used in professional or academic settings to indicate the latest time by which a task must be completed.
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| due date |
Commonly used in education or finance to specify the exact date when work is expected to be completed or a payment should be made.
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| time limit |
Usually refers to an allocated amount of time within which a task must be completed. Often used in contexts like exams, games, or tests.
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| cut-off date |
Often refers to deadlines for applications, registrations, or other formal events. Suggests that after this date, no more entries will be accepted.
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Examples of usage
- The deadline for this project is next Friday.
- Please make sure to meet the deadline for submitting your report.
academic setting
A deadline is the latest time by which an assignment must be submitted.
Synonyms
closing date, due date, submission date.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deadline |
Used in most professional and academic settings to indicate the final time by which a task or project must be completed.
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| due date |
Often used to refer to the specific day by which an assignment, payment, or obligation must be completed or fulfilled.
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| submission date |
Specifically refers to the exact day when a document or work must be turned in, especially in formal or academic scenarios.
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| closing date |
Commonly used in applications, registrations, and opportunities to indicate the last date by which someone can apply or qualify for something.
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Examples of usage
- The deadline for the essay is midnight tonight.
- Students must adhere to the deadline set by the professor.
journalism
A deadline is the time by which an article must be submitted for publication.
Synonyms
closing time, press time, publication date.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deadline |
Commonly used in both academic and professional settings to refer to the final date or time by which a task or project must be completed.
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| press time |
Specific to the publishing and media industry, referring to the final moment when material must be ready for printing or broadcast.
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| closing time |
Typically used for businesses, institutions, or places such as restaurants, shops, and offices to indicate the time when they stop serving customers for the day.
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| publication date |
Used to indicate the scheduled date when a book, magazine, article, or other print or digital media will be publicly available.
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Examples of usage
- The journalist worked feverishly to meet the deadline for the breaking news story.
- The editor set a strict deadline for the investigative piece.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that deadlines can enhance productivity by creating a sense of urgency, pushing people to prioritize tasks.
- However, tight deadlines can also lead to increased stress and anxiety, impacting overall well-being.
Pop Culture
- Many movies and TV shows depict the pressure of deadlines, often showcasing characters racing against the clock to achieve their goals.
- The phrase 'the deadline looms' is often used in storytelling to create dramatic tension.
Education
- In academic settings, deadlines are crucial for keeping students on track and ensuring timely submissions of assignments.
- Group projects often come with collective deadlines, teaching collaboration and time management skills.
Technology
- With the rise of project management software, deadlines can now be assigned, tracked, and adjusted in real time for teamwork efficiency.
- Many apps send reminders as deadlines approach to help users stay organized.
Origin of 'deadline'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'deadline' originated during the American Civil War, where it referred to a line drawn around a military prison beyond which prisoners could be shot.
- It evolved to describe a metaphorical line in journalism, emphasizing the time limit for submitting news articles.
The word 'deadline' originated during the American Civil War in the 1860s. It was originally used to describe a line within a military prison beyond which prisoners would be shot. The term later evolved to refer to a time limit or boundary by which a task must be completed, especially in journalism and project management.
See also: dead, deadbeat, deaden, deadliness, deadlock, deadly, deadness, deadpan, undead.