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Lateness: meaning, definitions and examples

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lateness

 

[ ˈleɪtnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

being late

The quality or fact of being late or delayed.

Synonyms

delay, punctuality, tardiness

Examples of usage

  • She was penalized for her lateness to the meeting.
  • His lateness became a pattern that affected his reputation at work.
Context #2 | Noun

being late as a habit

The habitual characteristic of being late for appointments, events, or deadlines.

Synonyms

chronic tardiness, constant delays, habitual lateness

Examples of usage

  • Despite his intelligence, his lateness was a constant source of frustration for his colleagues.
  • Her lateness was a reflection of her lack of time management skills.
Context #3 | Noun

quality of being delayed beyond expected time

The state of being delayed beyond the expected or usual time.

Synonyms

delayed arrival, prolonged delay, unpunctuality

Examples of usage

  • The lateness of the train caused inconvenience for many passengers.
  • The lateness of the delivery resulted in dissatisfaction among customers.

Translations

Translations of the word "lateness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atraso

🇮🇳 देरी (deri)

🇩🇪 Verspätung

🇮🇩 keterlambatan

🇺🇦 запізнення

🇵🇱 spóźnienie

🇯🇵 遅れ (okure)

🇫🇷 retard

🇪🇸 retraso

🇹🇷 gecikme

🇰🇷 지각 (jigak)

🇸🇦 تأخير (ta'khir)

🇨🇿 zpoždění

🇸🇰 oneskorenie

🇨🇳 迟到 (chídào)

🇸🇮 zamuda

🇮🇸 seinkun

🇰🇿 кешігу

🇬🇪 გვიანობა (gvianoba)

🇦🇿 gecikmə

🇲🇽 retraso

Etymology

The word 'lateness' originated from Middle English 'latenesse', which is derived from the Old English word 'lætnes'. Its usage dates back to the 14th century, where it referred to the quality of being late. Over time, 'lateness' has become a common term to describe delays, tardiness, or being behind schedule in various contexts.

See also: late, latecomer, lately, later, latest, prelate.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,882, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.