Late: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word in general situations to indicate someone or something is not on time.

• She was late to the meeting.
• The train arrived late.

Use this word, often in an academic or formal context, to describe someone who is regularly late, sometimes with a negative connotation.

• The student was marked tardy.
• He has a habit of being tardy.

Use this word to refer to a situation where an event or action is postponed to a later time.

• The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
• Her appointment was delayed for an hour.

Use this phrase in formal or professional settings to indicate a project or task is not progressing as planned.

• The construction is behind schedule.
• We are behind schedule with the product launch.

Used when someone or something arrives after the expected or usual time. Commonly applied in everyday situations.

• He was late for the meeting
• The bus arrived late

Used when something is done after the expected time, often way after the appropriate or suitable period. It carries a slight negative connotation of being overdue.

• She wished him a happy birthday belatedly
• The apology came belatedly

Often used in formal or written English. It implies something or someone has acted slowly or responded late, typically in an official or procedural context. It has a negative connotation.

• The documents were submitted tardily
• He responded to the inquiries tardily

This word is typically used to describe someone or something that arrives after the expected or planned time.

• She was late for the meeting.
• The train arrived late.

This noun is used to refer to the state or quality of being late. It often has a formal or official undertone.

• Her constant lateness is affecting her performance at work.
• The teacher spoke to him about his lateness.

This word can be used similarly to 'lateness' but usually carries a more negative connotation, indicating habitual or repeated instances of being late.

• Tardiness will not be tolerated in the office.
• He received a warning due to his repeated tardiness.